Battles - Fort Greene Park (Official Video)

Directed by Colin Read, Battles’ ‘Fort Greene Park’ video is a love letter to New York City, bringing together a small army of skaters, cyclists, joggers, scooterists, rollerbladers, and veritably every other method of self-transport into an extended crew of DIY transportation-enthusiasts.
‘Fort Greene Park’ features on Battles’ new album ‘Juice B Crypts’, available now on WARP → battles.ffm.to...
“A lot of things going on here for me. My daughter called her little brother Juice B Crypts when he was born. I didn’t know what that meant. But here the opening shot is of him climbing the Prison Ships Martyr Monument in Fort Greene Park, which is an actual crypt, and near to where I lived for 13 years. The place played a central role in my life for a long time. On another level, one of the guys from the building where I live rides an E-Unicycle around my neighborhood and was the original kernel of an idea for this video. So he and his friends are the e-unicyclists. My daughter and her kindergarten friends are the kids on the scooters. Other friends of ours are some of the skaters. And Colin elevated the concept of the video extending it into a broader story about the evolution of human transport which is a contentious issue these days in our city of New York. But in the end, it just a love letter to the place we live. New York City.” - Ian (Battles)
Can you guess all of the modes of transport used in the video? Comment your answers below, and who knows...
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[@namebrandmason]

I love how they never replace any members . Eventually we are going to get forty minutes of drum grooves.

[@adintyaannasaidhiakharisma5202]

bruh like dont ever do that yo

[@adintyaannasaidhiakharisma5202]

and dont even think we will get forty minutes of silence

[@willybumbum507]

Lol

[@WillyJunior]

Willy BumBum lol

[@CameronThatcher]

Dave left a few years ago though. So now it's just Ian and John

[@fluide000]

Battles : at the turn of each decades, one member leaves the band, never preventing it to continue producing great stuff. In 20 years, Technological singularity will be a reality and the band, now empty, will proceed to exist in the form of a computer program.

[@joshastorian]

Best comment ever

[@Caniballe]

Indeed. I heard this week that AI are already programming themselves!

[@drackaris_]

Will the last member be Stanier or Ian?

[@groundzeroday]

"Band of Theseus"

[@standardyeepz]

Ian Williams could be by himself and make legendary records

[@cakredi4132]

Battles saves rock n' roll, in a very very weird way.

[@LaGuerre19]

this song makes me sing along: bweer-ner neer-ner neww-neww, neer-ner noo-noo new I like it

[@eddiem5997]

Best comment award goes to you 🏆

[@exarp1]

Samesies.

[@GneralTsao]

Whenever I have a Battles song stuck in my head, I'm always worried that people will think I'm having a stroke if I start singing along. Especially with this one.

[@Canyon_Lark]

@@GneralTsao hehehe this is so true

[@mrjustinesquer]

LOLOLLOL!!!🤣😂🤣 ME TOO!!

[@faithclark391]

I saw them live two weeks ago in a small venue in London and I was completely blown away. One of the best bands I have ever seen, they were recommended on a podcast and I cant get enough. I met them after the gig and they were so friendly and down to earth

[@deckardcain6375]

Just saw them live before Primus yesterday. I hadn't heard any of their music until then and I was blown away. This band is amazing.

[@mikedrueke6873]

I'm excited to see them open for Primus Monday.

[@zslutzky]

I saw them before Primus too! Got a shirt signed by Ian from this band ! I was in Lafayette ny Where were you at?

[@ethanmeysembourg6016]

Same, so glad primus took em out

[@MenachemSchmuel]

that skateboard ring is not getting enough credit, that is the coolest shit EVER and i want one!

[@zombockerman]

Check out some of the old king of the road videos where they go down ramps and stairs in those

[@fartspoo4244]

MenachemSchmuel look up mark Gonzalez

[@paulmarsh9544]

I love that guitar riff, best I ever heard

[@Bearzo23]

It’s up there with a couple others. Ian writes a funky lick. American Don has some fun ones, especially that one song lol

[@albertosshi]

From a full band with an multi-instrument like Braxton to THIS absolutely awesome duo. BATTLES lives forever

[@shawnphase]

i love you, ian williams. i love you, john stanier. you guys have helped me focus my potential more than i could ever explain. amazing video.

[@shoon7858]

i love them more than you do

[@berengreene9971]

These are the words of truth

[@huntersymbal7238]

Saw them open for Primus. That show was a musical catalyst for me

[@alousypeach]

This piece moves me. It perfectly captures the utterly painful beauty of nostalgia, all without a word. Reminds me again of all I have loved and all I can no longer reach.

[@kellysmith8731]

Peach, you expressed that so well - my tears flowed immediately after reading your post. Thanks.

[@EmporioZuagroast]

It is beautiful how a bunch of sounds, just harmonies and noises, can make several completely unrelated people on completely unrelated parts of this huge planet FEEL the exact same emotions.

[@emmakatenotcake]

lmao did Ian get his daughter to pull him around? 10/10 parenting done right

[@DrGonzo2015]

this song is a masterpiece.

[@pepelomelicervera575]

ikr such a beauty of nature

[@TheDoomWizard]

largely disagree.

[@autofocus4556]

No it’s not. Everything is a “masterpiece” these days. 😒

[@autofocus4556]

@@71hammyman I have every right to do just that. lol

[@uwotmate87]

@@autofocus4556 why don't you guys like the song? I personally like how different it is and this guy can SHRED! I also like how the video is aesthetically pleasing.

[@user-gv8vv2id7t]

im impressed how well they pull off being a duo, new album is great.

[@squonkharold9251]

Only good thing about the lock down is I discovered Battles.For an old prog rocker like me they are a god send and my god the drummer!!

[@WayneE42]

I just discovered this band TODAY. And I love Prog Rock. and Jazz Fusion. And Minimalism. I think this band likes all of that as well. Which is why I dig them. Great observation.

[@dalekay9ine]

The drummer is John Strainer ex-Helmet

[@halfbreed1426]

John's the Man.

[@adderon]

John's a disciple of Neil Peart

[@squonkharold9251]

@@adderon His drum kit is a bit smaller than Neal's was🙂

[@mrmaramind]

This might be the best sounding noise I have ever heard.

[@iain2080]

Juice B Crypts = Album of the year See them live if you haven't they're amazing

[@MrDexington]

Fan since Mirrored, finally saw them in the flesh on Monday. How they pull it off live... Ian and John are so far ahead of our time I'm starting to think reverse time travel IS possible...

[@oyahthefirst]

@@MrDexington it is

[@ElVainilRip]

i'm a big fan from many years and when they came to Argentina (my country) this happened kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5C1p4eQh92Cp6M (from 0:00 to 0:40). I think Ian was very drunk. i got so dissapointed.

[@jonathanfrieze8497]

Man I seen them back in 06 with about 50 people or less standing a few feet from ian Williams no barrier so pure I love the intimacy of that type of show I'm so glad they got rid of old Braxton. I hope they come close to NC for there tour

[@iain2080]

@@ElVainilRip I don't think Ian is drunk. They're trying to play summer simmer and it sounds like it messed up entirely so he just jumps into ice cream. In Dublin that summer simmer bit was perfect. You know battles those loops are really hard to pull off. They were both drinking Guinness on stage in Dublin and were fine so I doubt it was the drink man

[@nickowen8771]

I like the quick shot of Ian popping the gum bubble - A nice reference to the don cab days...

[@IanStrika]

Saw them live in Chile a couple of months ago and they opened with this song, never heard it before since the album came out like 4 days after that, who would have known that it would become so important to me, i absolutely LOVE this track, very powerfull still without any lyrics, thanks John and Ian

[@toddmichaeljohnson7139]

Struka Peluka That’s a great memory! Thanks for sharing. This video is amazing 👍🏻

[@squonkharold9251]

Down to two and the new album is farkin brilliant! I am an old prog rocker and was looking for something to excite me. Glad I have found Battles!

[@zacharydonofrio7118]

You might also like the old Mutemath stuff. Drummer is amazing as well. Crazy grooves - band from the bayou.

[@marc54678]

We saw them in Huntsville Alabama on the tour opening for Primus. My son and I got to meet John Stanier at the Merch table after their amazing set! Very cool dude. If you get a chance, you must see them play. Their music is pure joy.

[@LemursManLemurs1]

Yeah... They put on a fantastic live show! They are both such talented musicians. Them and Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats are two of my favorite bands and also both put on phenomenal live shows.

[@cyrilbendris5333]

One of the best song I've heard since a long time

[@willybumbum507]

Cyril BND guitar fucken gets me

[@h3adcrabbio]

there's something kind of melancholy to that ending shot. From 4 members, to 3, to 2. Movement stopped. But that's reading into it.

[@AdrianCachia256]

Its soon over buddy..... this may be the last album.

[@benrothschild6074]

I disagree I think there will be more so long as these two can keep their shit together but they both care and want to keep going I don’t see why not

[@deadbeatdynamo]

Except the point being made is that an EXTERNAL force creates the impetus for the music. When that force reasserts itself Battles will return.

[@gmcgettigan6657]

Ian Williams is legit one of the GOAT's.

[@Gonko100]

I actually cant believe they managed to still sound so fucking good.

[@oyahthefirst]

The experimental psychedelic math rock loop band of the people.

[@daj4883]

yes

[@iwrestledafeloniousoysteronce]

John Stanier is a World Heritage, I say.

[@jsogman]

I don't know another "groove hard hitter" other than him and Brain Mantia ( not to diminish the individuality of each) I mean common this shit is hard!! Its also kinda funny because in some ways hes the polar opposite of the insane octopus that is Damon Che and his, not so precise timing but insane storm of percussive force.. I love Ian William's with both drummers, each bring out totally different in him and we benefit;)

[@Skiptracer1981]

His work with Helmet was my favourite stuff of the 90s.

[@adderon]

His snare sounds are always killer

[@Oseanacoceanblue]

brilliant thasnks alot guys i shook John stainers hand at a mark of cain gig years ago .... closest ive come to true sovriegn state, originality , humility and down right intensity and gutz. thanks music for life.

[@zacharytennyson1352]

I love this song so much!!!!!!! It is my first taste of this genre and I will dive deeper.

[@theaudartexp]

Proper fucking good band like.

[@conansfries]

Am I alone in my thinking that this is just one of those note perfect pieces of music by anyone ?

[@TylerSmith-sl1fd]

I've been trying to find this for years now. When I first heard it, I didn't want to tell people about it because it felt personal and I wanted to be just for me and then I could never remember what it was. So glad I finally found it again.

[@piotrods]

Battles are back! I'm so excited to hear some new tunes. This song is amazing. I can't wait to hear the rest of the album.

[@dylanfarr7996]

the whole album's great but this has gotta be the best song

[@overkillgaming1424]

That escilator scene is SO satisfying with it going with the beat and all

[@mantisbog]

I mean, it was a lot more satisfying that time the guy kept falling down for three straight minutes.

[@kevinmoyles5424]

Colin Read! Yes!!

[@Nicholas4883]

the mandible claw !

[@gabriel_export]

This is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. The feelings that these guys have managed to convey through the music stagger me.

[@soylentramen7795]

This already feels like a throwback to a simpler time..........

[@TheGlyde18]

I thought some terrible, terrible things were going to happen on that escalator.

[@SheeplessNW6]

...possibly involving an orange

[@operaoffire]

M E T A E E T T A A

[@beammeupscotty1955]

It would have been awesome if the guy on this escalator were the same one featured in My Machines, but I don't think it is.

[@RYBB0N]

possibly could involve a drum set on the other escalator

[@dalekay9ine]

Look up their song with Gary Newman on vocals they clearly have a thing for escalators

[@roseisonline]

crawl, run, escalator, bicycle, caster board, scooter, trailer cart, rollerskates, pogo stick, skateboard, rollerblades, airwheel scooter, onewheel, drone, longboard, (no clue on the next two), jumping stilts, ring of skateboards (does that really count?), hoverboard

[@Ewr42]

It doesn't fit the puzzle on the description, no e-unicycle for example

[@robertwilliammayers]

* Spoiler alert * jeez... (;

[@OlDrippie]

Ian looks fly as hell. I’m loving the video and the album

[@codybroken]

love how it goes berserk at 4:01-4:45 and then chills out to the end.

[@NewYorkRawVideos]

cool video, I like how you highlight the many types of devices there are: crawl run escalator bicycle scooter casterboard pogo stick skateboard rollerblades trolley orbit wheels e-scooter e-bike drone e-board one-wheel e-unicycle jumping stilts circle board hoverboard

[@sj_harris]

John Stanier. No other words needed, just John Stanier. Also, that reveal with the kids on scooters pulling the guitarist (Ian Williams I’m told) was hysterical! The duck’s eye of this video

[@jeebsmagee]

I first heard Battles in either late 2004 or early 2005 and have anxiously awaited every album they've released since then. Fort Greene Park is easily among the top 5 best Battles songs, and that gives me a lot of hope for future releases. I definitely will miss the era with Ty Braxton, as well as the era with Dave Konopka, but seeing them as a two-piece and still putting out incredible music makes me very happy.

[@NoJoshinJoshy]

Whatever Ian Williams is doing..i will be there. I will listen to anything he gifts the world with. Even if he becomes an accountant.. the crunching of numbers would be so rhythmic and profound.

[@chancestockman]

Makes me wonder what mode of transport I'll be using to go see them play here in Chicago Dec 8th. Prob snowshoes.

[@darkmadder9897]

A dog-sled pulled by a team of drones.

[@darkmadder9897]

@Random Citizen I can't wait to see this! (You'll need chains, yo...)

[@emanuellopez8578]

incredible how good they are putting the best sounds toguether is almost perfect

[@justanaveragetreeg1554]

The sound of this song is so cool, I love it so much

[@ghettofam360100]

I have a 3 month old. I love that first part of the vid. Can't wait till she can crawl and climb.

[@ghettofam360100]

She's walking now!!!! 😢

[@ghettofam360100]

She's two now. And can talk. 😢 appreciate y'all!

[@onetoomusic]

John Stanier- The man of the coolest beats and the highest crash cymbal

[@Lunarsight]

It's so high up in the air, he needs an oxygen mask when he wants to hit it.

[@jonjim1952]

Not only a great song but great video editing.

[@SequitoBanda]

I wanna live in this video.

[@_alex_y.not_]

Brian Gibson from Lightning Bolt vibes on the guitar work towards the first half of the song? Great stuff!

[@shinocide]

their new best song by far, beautiful from start to finish 💜💛

[@myautobiographyafanfic1413]

I should probably buy this album, cause I've listened to this song every day for two weeks.

[@SimonMordue]

Nothing like them. Thank God! I love unique vibes.

[@KabbalisticVillageMusic]

i just found these guys on Spotify today. mindblown!

[@juliachristinaheikamp246]

I am full of admiration and gratefulness, since "Atlas" and those freaking' awesome sleigh bells in "The Yabba"... they REALLY work big time! I will force people to listen to this on my funeral.

[@moka8267]

The sleigh bells really do it for me

[@juliachristinaheikamp246]

@@moka8267 I still remember my own dazzlement when I heard them. I am still working out words that could discribe what they are really doing. It is hard, because I see a picture rather difficult to describe. They provide some sort of guidance line through a minimal rhythm structure, giving it a profound and mysterical deepness. They also balance the sound harmony without killing the thrill - and that is the brilliance of it all, I guess.

[@moka8267]

@@juliachristinaheikamp246 I couldn't have put it any better into words, even if it's still a rather fuzzy description o_O I created a server in Discord dedicated to Battles, if you'd like to join and discuss them

[@cerulean5881]

this is such a beautiful song

[@llegoyego]

Best Battles track in years.

[@henry_brown]

Bro the match cuts this are inSANE! 2:01 blew my mind

[@WhispersOfRuins]

Soothes my Cerebellum, thank you Battles!

[@cranna31]

Gave my Ears an Orgasm.

[@Rosalina102798]

Definitely within my top three favorite singles of the year.

[@mrsirhc]

This is......is.......the most incredible sound I’ve heard😳

[@SyncrisisVideos]

Looks like a bunch of fun!

[@JustinJadunath]

One the best songs I've ever heard!!

[@unknownsource1118]

Such a beautiful jam & video. Brilliant work!! The concept of it all is truely awesome. And man, I bet they all had such a blast filming this, riding and jamming together, such an amazingly great and badass idea. The weather that day looks just perfect too! I also dig how the band looses momentum as the song is ending but the camera keeps on going ahead, leaving them behind, and then the credits follow after. Just absolutely perfect. Great work!!!

[@narcisismoilustrado]

i love how Ian is fully embracing the "Matt Dillon in the house that jack built" look

[@marcosmartin3003]

Nunca voy a olvidar cuando abrieron el show de Chile con esta canción! Fué como.. que carajos es esto??? es hermoso.

[@510th]

I purchased Atlas the day it came out... been a Helmet fan since '91ish... I need to get this shiz! Love Stanier drums... cheers!

[@samuelward1148]

That warm synth sound is SOOO Boards of Canada. I LOVE IT.

[@theSyndromeAkira]

¡¡¡Diablos esto es genial!!!, Battles es grande, espero que vengan a mexico pronto.

[@prabhjyotmajithia4293]

Every bit of it is intriguing... scooters have always been my favs... Love

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

I just looked and felt something wonderful! 🎶✨🎃✨🎶

[@deadcrush]

lovely...

[@CsawIvu]

Yess!!! Loved this extremely immersive sonic events, True 21st Century Music! I am always impressed with multi-layered melodies which remain ever present in my mind...AFTER THE SONG ENDS!!! That atonal guitar....yes indeed!!! Add the tight heavy "REAL" drums, and I have the whole song buzzing 10 minutes after ending. About the vid....this flowed nicely with the melodic layers, and the layers of diversity in people, and transport added to complete dreamlike sequence. Another interesting point as I listened, and viewed!! A thought, a ponder "What would people from 200 years in the past, think about the Music, Visuals, Motions presented in this presentation"? Imagine that :)

[@Mistertiger2012]

Amazing

[@bfg9k_]

Outstanding!

[@bjornkliem2736]

1000%

[@jonathanfrieze8497]

Everything about this reminds me why you've been my favorite guitar player since inwas in high school and American don came out I hope and can play along side of you 1 day

[@darrennakayama4980]

this looks like it was a blast to record! props to everyone involved!

[@moltargaltar1219]

Wish I heard this track sooner, only found out recently through my local college radio station

[@dionyzus2909]

their melody is so alien an interstellar species hearing this would contact us just to say how dank this is

[@signifidelica2819]

i cant listen to this track without smiling and or crying

[@AnActualDog.]

Battles ruined my life. Welcome back.

[@sen-te8oq]

they still have it :)

[@toddmichaeljohnson7139]

It cracks me up where Ian blows a bubble...what a weirdo. Love this song, album, and video!

[@carlop3019]

Uncoditioned Love!

[@jobzagudn]

love from UK

[@PecktheTownCrierVideos]

Very moving.

[@patricktaylor1146]

i lost my shit when i noticed the drone on a leash

[@CsawIvu]

same ;)

[@meatrace]

Their music just sounds like one long intro to a song that never starts. It gave me blue balls.

[@sethprops4404]

Exactly what I needed to see today! Please come to Kansas City!

[@THEjoelivingstone]

I can not wait for the Seattle show. I have been hyped and dancy at a Battles show before, and I will do it again. This album is fucking flooring.

[@rongarcia]

Great way of understanding what’s new in current music, so creative, this is now!

[@manuelvazquez4381]

Since listening to this song, I enjoy climbing stairs like never before...

[@thebunn]

I love the tune!!!!! Can't wait for the Toronto date!

[@daniellay9931]

Yessssss

[@markstottlemyre409]

Two is a mighty fine number as felt by El Ten Eleven

[@Salodrums]

Yes!