Mirrored
by Battles
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: May 22, 2007
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 184 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 149 out of 184
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 184
  3. Negative: 19 out of 184

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  1. L0UI5
    Apr 15, 2018
    9
    9/10.......................................................................
  2. normankant
    Jun 13, 2015
    8
    Mirrored is an album with a unique style and sound design. It revisits prog-rock renewing it by mixing its elements with math-rock, funk and a post-punk attitude. Industrial pulses, post-modern laments, tinny beats and alienating vocals are what makes this record peculiar and interesting. Sometimes the research of absurd sounds outweighs composition and this makes some episodes of theMirrored is an album with a unique style and sound design. It revisits prog-rock renewing it by mixing its elements with math-rock, funk and a post-punk attitude. Industrial pulses, post-modern laments, tinny beats and alienating vocals are what makes this record peculiar and interesting. Sometimes the research of absurd sounds outweighs composition and this makes some episodes of the album a little bit nauseating.… Expand
  3. BENNEB
    May 11, 2013
    10
    What else can I say? This is one damn motherf*cking awesome album. Best of 2007. The complexity and strange and alienating themes of this album keeps you wanting to here more. It might have the potential to reach the popularity of Animal Collective (which I hope it will). For now, listen.
  4. Vampire25
    Apr 1, 2011
    7
    I've never quite heard music this strange, confusing, and joyous in awhile. The sound is like futuristic rock. Definitely some progression rock going on. The singer barely sings the whole album (and when he does, you can barely comprehend what he is saying.) The musicianship is perfect. The drums are excellent. It's about 50 minutes of pure futuristic rock that you don't quite hear all the time. B
  5. DaveF.
    Mar 13, 2009
    8
    This music scares the shit out of me. It's like being in a love/hate relationship with a crazy genius lingerie wearing goddess with a casio keyboard on kryptonite.
  6. David
    Dec 5, 2008
    10
    One of the very best albums of 2007, this one needs several listens to yield its treasures. Hard to describe the sound, but it's truly great.
  7. JohnP
    Aug 3, 2008
    10
    One of the freshest albums I've heard in a long time.
  8. GilderoyL
    May 16, 2008
    9
    Most people will likely find this, dull, repetitive, and not ample head-banging music. It's very out of the ordinary, but if you can appreciate its intricate rhythms, you will probably really enjoy it. It's just fun.
  9. JayL
    Apr 21, 2008
    9
    To describe a cd as "genre-defying" is usually useless, but I make the exception for this cd. To describe it as "Indie" takes away from its electronic aspects, and to describe it as "rock" leaves out the more dancy tracks mostly uncommon to rock. The cd itself is amazing to listen to, even multiple times. The songs get stuck in your head like very little else that is this experimental, To describe a cd as "genre-defying" is usually useless, but I make the exception for this cd. To describe it as "Indie" takes away from its electronic aspects, and to describe it as "rock" leaves out the more dancy tracks mostly uncommon to rock. The cd itself is amazing to listen to, even multiple times. The songs get stuck in your head like very little else that is this experimental, and is recommended to anyone who liked the singles off of it.… Expand
  10. StevenH
    Mar 8, 2008
    9
    A must-listen.
  11. LeoC
    Mar 3, 2008
    9
    My personal favourite of 2007.
  12. RoryP.
    Feb 27, 2008
    9
    I can't dance to it, I don't understand the lyrics and I never heard anything like it before. I don't know what it is, but Its f@*king good.
  13. JyotirmayaD.
    Feb 17, 2008
    7
    When I first listened to "Mirrored" I enjoyed all the twists and turns and the way it all comes together... I enjoyed the latter half of the album more than the beginning... It's not for me, really, but I own it and will listen to it when I need to listen to something different than anything else. It's good.
  14. MaxC.
    Jan 26, 2008
    9
    Groundbreaking; what George Orwell feared brought to great music.
  15. IanB.
    Jan 15, 2008
    9
    This is progressive people !
  16. PaulD.
    Dec 28, 2007
    10
    It speaks volumes when you can't lump a band into music that has already been created. Battles is that group and this album is perfect, unlike anything out there. Best of the year hands down. Brilliant!
  17. DavidF.
    Dec 27, 2007
    9
    Best bizarro release of the year.
  18. lk
    Dec 27, 2007
    9
    This Album is very distinguished, different and still so great. Easily the best record of 2007. I didn't give 10 because tracks like "bad trails" seem to me as "fillers".
  19. MycleS.
    Dec 14, 2007
    9
    This album is fascinating and thrilling. a relentless romp! James m., if you don't like the genre, don't comment on the album. I don't comment on country albums. If you think grizzly bear is even close to this genre you're missing chromosomes.
  20. ChrisA.
    Dec 8, 2007
    10
    I was a fan of the record upon my first listen. It's a bit of a mind-f*ck, but also so incredibly (yet strangely) catchy. After seeing them live and realizing that they actually produce the majority of the sounds with actual instruments, it became even better. A highly impressive album that ranks at my #1 of 2007.
  21. Jack
    Dec 2, 2007
    9
    Unique, different, confusing, brilliant. An essential album.
  22. JeremyB.
    Nov 28, 2007
    10
    Hm. This is the best thing I've heard all year. Album of the year by far. At this point, I really don't care what these critics say. Stars of the Lid and The Field better than Radiohead? I think not.
  23. F.H.
    Nov 27, 2007
    9
    Certainly worth some listens. I'm listening to it now. The positive reviews seem more on target than the negative ones. But, we shall see how it stands up over time.
  24. J.K.
    Nov 18, 2007
    8
    Considering how complex, technical and filled with references and influences this is, Mirrored remains surprisingly up tempo and optimistic. Also considering how unrestrained this all feels, it never crosses into the realm of pretension which also comes as a pleasant surprise. The sound is quite unique, but I'd say it feels like some wacky explosion of krautrock and prog more than Considering how complex, technical and filled with references and influences this is, Mirrored remains surprisingly up tempo and optimistic. Also considering how unrestrained this all feels, it never crosses into the realm of pretension which also comes as a pleasant surprise. The sound is quite unique, but I'd say it feels like some wacky explosion of krautrock and prog more than anything else while it keeps in touch with more modern post-rock aesthetics.… Expand
  25. JaredSilva
    Sep 18, 2007
    10
    One of the best musical experiences in a long time.
  26. mattk
    Sep 17, 2007
    10
    i love this album, but Matt B how is this "organic". If anything the lack of "organic" sound is what I love about this album. This is a honed, mechanical album, and all the interlocking pieces that contribute to the complexity of this album make it all the more alien from traditional song writing. Yes, this is math rock, but it is something more at the same time. This is one of those rare i love this album, but Matt B how is this "organic". If anything the lack of "organic" sound is what I love about this album. This is a honed, mechanical album, and all the interlocking pieces that contribute to the complexity of this album make it all the more alien from traditional song writing. Yes, this is math rock, but it is something more at the same time. This is one of those rare super groups that actually delivered on their promise (remember how ldisappointing swan lake was last year?), and probably the best live show I have seen in years.… Expand
  27. MattB.
    Sep 12, 2007
    10
    Amazing, utterly complex yet oddly organic, like Black Dice playing math rock in a hippie commune in space...John Stanier is a machine, this record features some of the best drumming I've ever heard, complex and ridiculously tight. And there's some great inventive guitar playing on offer. and Sean W, your comment is utterly hilarious, open your mind sir! This album walks the Amazing, utterly complex yet oddly organic, like Black Dice playing math rock in a hippie commune in space...John Stanier is a machine, this record features some of the best drumming I've ever heard, complex and ridiculously tight. And there's some great inventive guitar playing on offer. and Sean W, your comment is utterly hilarious, open your mind sir! This album walks the line between experimentation and musicality brilliantly, and the album grows with repeat listens, I admired this band before, now I truly LOVE them.… Expand
  28. SteveF.
    Sep 9, 2007
    8
    To Justin G - any time anyone "considers myself cutting edge" your opinion on just about anything is pretty much void. A little Tool, a little Radiohead, a little Pink Floyd - even a little Phish - and you've got a tight, imaginative, experimental near-masterpiece. The ability of the musicians is spectacular - the drumming is done with a three-piece (three-piece!), yet sounds at To Justin G - any time anyone "considers myself cutting edge" your opinion on just about anything is pretty much void. A little Tool, a little Radiohead, a little Pink Floyd - even a little Phish - and you've got a tight, imaginative, experimental near-masterpiece. The ability of the musicians is spectacular - the drumming is done with a three-piece (three-piece!), yet sounds at times as if there were ten or more. At times it's hard to distinguish between guitar and keyboard; the record toys with your ears and your mind, and almost blows them both away.… Expand
  29. G.
    Sep 4, 2007
    10
    I haven't beed this excited about a new band since Oceansize. It doesn't feel forced at all...completely natural. I secretly curse Stanier for playing the drum licks I've been hearing in my head for years, but have never heard anyone else play. Dammit! The vocal manipulations are a little off-putting at first until you understand that they are simply meant to be another I haven't beed this excited about a new band since Oceansize. It doesn't feel forced at all...completely natural. I secretly curse Stanier for playing the drum licks I've been hearing in my head for years, but have never heard anyone else play. Dammit! The vocal manipulations are a little off-putting at first until you understand that they are simply meant to be another instrument. Don Caballero was great in small bursts, but the repetitive guitar noodling got to me after awhile. Not so with Battles. In a world of carbon-copycats this is creativity and adventurousness defined. Zappa-philes rejoice! Note: Stop insulting one another and stick to the music.… Expand
  30. AshleyP.
    Aug 24, 2007
    8
    Music made by people that love to make music. While so many others are rehashing the same old tricks, these guys have translated their ideas and energy into sounds and rhythms without fear. This album conforms to nothing.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Album of 2007
23
#23 Most Discussed Album of 2007
43
#43 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Alternative Press
    90
    At times, the effect is akin to hearing Tortoise and Animal Collective covering the Steve Reich and Devo catalogs in tandem; but such reference points barely do justice to an album that just halfway through 2007, is already topping the year's best-of list in multiple genres. [Jun 2007, p.151]
  2. Observer Music Monthly
    70
    Battles combine the power of hard rock with an experimental aesthetic.
    Read full review
  3. Urb
    90
    Every song on the 52-minute masterpiece builds and bridges until everything self-destructs and the only thing left to do is dance. [May 2007, p.92]
See all critic reviews »