This third full-length release from Battles contains furious energy and rhythm. But it also marries those conceits with an avant- garde sensibility, evidenced on compositions such as the more experimental Tricentennial. There are nods to Battles' musical past: opening track The Yabba is a deranged, stunning, expansive composition that wouldn't be out of place on The Who's Tommy. It is complemented by FF Bada, with its complex time signature; the zig-zagging Luu Le; the chaotic Non-Violence; the incessant Dot Net; and the synth-heavy Summer Simmer. These songs often seem to compete with each other, but Battles manage to pull it all off, displaying virtuosic musicianship – and their statement of intent as an ever-more cohesive trio. Their sound has evolved into something even more interesting than their first two records. As they have said themselves, it's "next level".

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