Battles - Tonto

A Battles collaboration with celebrated light artists UVA (United Visual Artists) and produced by Warp Films.
The track is taken from their debut full-length album 'Mirrored', out now on Warp Records → warp.net/record...
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www.bttls.com
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[@b4y0n37w0rk]

As a lighting designer, this is by far one of my favorite music videos out there.

[@vivelavidarocka]

First time I heard Battles, that was my first thought as well. A lot of that tribal sound of early 80's Crimson. That's why I like them, since KC are my fav band.

[@Evi7Bass]

theres nothing complicated with their time signatures in the slightest. This is mind blowing innovative progressive music

[@niallcurran7894]

No there isn't, just the dynamics makes it seem that way. Brilliant.

[@therealitycollective9456]

Yeah it's weird but I think it's in 4/4. I'm wondering what makes it sound so weird

[@x9x9x9x9x9]

I just spent so long looking for this music video. I started with Louis Cole who reminded me of Zach Hill, who reminded me of Hella, who reminded me of Ratatat who reminded me of this music video but I could not remember who it was just that it had LED light bars in time with the music but for some reason I thought it was in a cave. I resorted to asking chatgpt who gave me nothing. Then searching for "bands similar to ratatat" and on page 21 on a last fm thing they mentioned the band "battle tapes" and then it clicked. I am so relieved to have found it. This video has stuck with me since I first saw it in 2007.

[@D3ath113]

Probably the most original and smartest band to come out in years. if they keep this up we could have something really awesome. Reminds me of how awesome experimental music is.

[@PlantMatters]

Not many bands can pull of this technical ability and remain fresh and original. Cheers to my favorite Battles track!

[@shanelogan630]

I normally just listen to gothic but this has like, EVERYTHING!!! Hippie, indie, alternative, rock, goth, psychedelic, like EVERYTHING!!!!!

[@dropitinthepocket]

This track (and the video) are a masterwork. If you dig "Math Rock", listen to anything from the 80's era King Crimson. It's infinitely polymetric and polyrhythmic. Battles are cool as hell for their textures and atmospheres, and have those hip interlocking lines, similar to KC's vibe. For some monolithic grooves in complex time signatures, listen to Battles' drummer John Stanier's first band, Helmet.

[@GEEFLEXZ]

***** ...wow ur right on the money...he nearly had me at 'hip interlocking lines'!!!

[@portzblitz]

Thanks!

[@thejollysloth5743]

Helmet is still my favorite band of all time. Stanier is a beast.

[@putrephagist2872]

The genius of the slow down in the middle... Wow...

[@luanirco]

yes friends!! plenty of minds are craving for intelligent and well thoughtout music!!! If any of u guys reading have the potential to be good musicians or have an artistic mind musically speaking, go for it and create your music!!! lets hope that someday our minds and the ones alike reign in the music industry!!! peace to all of u!!!

[@NeonFoxLetsPlays]

"Tonto" was already a favourite track on the album for me but MAN that whole light show thing made it spectacular. that was amazing!!!

[@jimmydabosh]

Hnnnnnnnnnh the riff they kick to at 3.27 gets my pants all tight.

[@erdbeerbus]

years ago ... still beautiful

[@Gilgamesh149]

Battles are really something new. They deconstruct and reinvent the nature and essence of the rock song, and of the rock band itself.

[@fakefarm]

he had me at oh uh huh ha ha ha

[@ruben24161]

Me too Dave, me too.

[@brujeriadiosa]

Dave's not here.

[@LoQiUrzagasti]

Totally

[@fullnovo]

@@ruben24161 dave's dead baby

[@Miche2pointO]

That bit where they slowed shit down, nearly knocked me out into a hypnotic coma...

[@ZeroOdyssey]

Eric Andre on the mic!

[@craigmovieman]

Legalize ranch!

[@masonmcconnell9375]

haha thats funny man good one i like it.

[@LoQiUrzagasti]

Got a meme lol

[@ULTRAVISTA.]

Sup LadyGodiva?

[@zakwindle8859]

What's up with claymation. Like, what's up with it?

[@ChrisFlyingOne]

Trying "way too hard" is something that should happen more often in music today, rss.

[@Subcide]

Stanier is like a human drum machine. He's so precise even on fast and complex time signatures. He doesn't need to solo to be a fantastic drummer, and he suits this band perfectly.

[@lizisverycool8711]

Can we get an F from the future ;(

[@thetexanhusky]

@@lizisverycool8711 Why? Stanier is still with the group.

[@lizisverycool8711]

@@thetexanhusky Yeah I mixed up the drummer and bassist lol.

[@AaronKaiMCDNLD]

It's amazing for a band that utlizes 90% electronic instruments, he can fucking keep up with them better than a drum machine.

[@Subtletext]

Guy's a legend- played in Helmet. Mark of Cain...who am I forgetting? Point is he is legendary!

[@davidwave4]

To think that UVA is doing the art for James Blake's next album. So stoked.

[@ChrisLeRose]

Well said. Another fun phrase is "too technical". It usually translates to "beyond my intellect". I try not to be bothered by stupid people disliking music I enjoy, but sometimes the pride people have in their own stupidity and shallowness is too much to take.

[@joeydanielski962]

You sound like a chill dude.

[@danielsjodin504]

/iamverysmart

[@yoboy6319]

Ok einstein, you get that PhD yet?

[@ChrisLeRose]

@@joeydanielski962 I am. Everyone likes me.

[@ChrisLeRose]

@@yoboy6319 Insecure about your intelligence, eh?

[@weedaveanderson]

It’s 2023 and this is still one of the most unique tracks I’ve e er heard.

[@jakecravens8833]

Most of this whole album still fucks so hard

[@drumloops]

I can't get enough of this stuff.

[@alleygh0st]

Made me think of Can, This Heat and Tortoise...

[@Stanggwarbeard]

Best thing about is, its beautiful when your eyes are open, and when they are closed. Amazing.

[@vids721]

Math Rock doesn't necessarily imply crazy time signatures, but complexities in rhythmic structure, e.g. polyrhythms, multi-layered melodies, etc.

[@smithsmithington]

the slow down at the end was amazing...

[@nelrick]

How is this 16 years old already? How old am I?!

[@02kghostvlogs92]

You are 100

[@Webbula]

This is the best 'Battles' song.

[@reynoldadamson9892]

This is how I envision mathematics would sound like if it made music.

[@alvesrulez]

Reynold Adamson fuck no!! math is not awesome like this...

[@CarlosMunoz-yd7lq]

things melting strings

[@Cystlib]

+Reynold Adamson That's why this type of music is called math-rock

[@reynoldadamson9892]

Cystlib It's sad that most people think that the math-rock sound is limited to noodly clean guitars with endless tapping and hammer-ons/pull-offs and strange time signatures.

[@orrza1]

+Reynold Adamson derrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[@partymarty289]

these guys are soooo unique! they make me wish that more modern music could be this different. (if that makes sense) These guys and Deerhunter have got to be the best new acts i have heard in a long, long time.

[@brainsbranes]

the way this band makes the vocals like another instrument is so awesome

[@koreindian1]

I don't really see how any of you can argue about pointless thing when you have such a beautiful spectacle of a video right in front of you.

[@MrAngelis]

Contemporary praying for the rain to come !!!

[@zeroprometheus]

i find it strange when people comment on posts that are no longer on the main page but i guess its the spur of the moment internet reaction, anyway, most appealing thing about this group are their choice of vocals, this is a new standard for vocalism i think

[@Marandthings]

Saw them for the first time at Sydney BDO and I became an instant fan. They not only were the best performance the entire day at BDO, but it was the best thing I've ever seen live. It blew me away.

[@irotinmyskin]

the guitar player reminds me of a young sassy omar rodriguez lopez

[@californication1992]

+irotinmyskin Lol I just imagined Omar snapping his fingers from left to right

[@warneverchanges709]

I have so much love for this band, this album, this song. Can't wait to get this album in the mail super soon!!

[@captainpanic08]

I love seeing them doing their little geeky dancing. Clever video, simple yet striking.

[@hahasimp]

almost sounds improvised

[@muellerbones]

Not many bands have riveting drummers, but if you see Battles live, you'll see just how crazy good their drummer is

[@DorianKill]

Tontology!!!

[@Blude]

Those LED pillars are SICK.

[@donnybrooklads]

Mike Oldfield is proud of you. Close but no cigar. It's essentially a good riff and jam session lacking in the classic never to forget melody that a genius like Mike can deliver.

[@-CloClo-]

I finally found this song again, and holy sh!t it still slaps.

[@zedascouves78]

This is the greatest story ever told

[@stephennidd1048]

Where I found this song: An old New Zealand music TV channel called C4. The segment at night when almost no one was watching called 'blender'. This was in like '07 😆

[@AyahuaskaPop]

Y me estoy divirtiendo sin hierba, bueno se me acabó...

[@cheerskiwi]

I happy that there's still experimental bands around

[@aurumstarband]

Not to mention, the slowdown at the end is as close to flawless as any can get.

[@Parlora]

I must say. I do love this song. It goes on loud in my car, the whole album is just epic. The video to this suits it down to the ground. Epic stuff

[@drumloops]

I have to agree with you about Stanier: He's just that good!

[@mtrps_]

3:30 riff is just total eargasm plus with the 3:34 drum fill :L

[@priser24]

John Stanier melts my brain.

[@vivelavidarocka]

I just saw them last Saturday at Central Park here in NYC, and the concert was FREEE!! Best band coming out of this city since Interpol. They kicked major ass. You people may want to listen this other band fron the city called Dirty Projectors. I think NY nowdays has the best rock scene in the USA, or even maybe in the world, then again, that's only my humble opinion. Peace.

[@Yoursaffectionately]

HOW could you not like this!

[@Pachipachiss20]

LSD

[@Gigizhvania]

ayy lsd lmao :DDD ebiiiiiiin

[@nicolacalabrese7353]

+Giorgi Zhvania ayy meems pee pee the frongk xdd

[@psytaatysp2564]

Sounds more like NO2 and Ketamin on LSD :D

[@facundoratm6564]

Quedas como los dios despues!!!

[@ninjobrown6868]

Yes please

[@whatevamang]

If only the radio stations had that attitude...

[@SchizoFish]

I like this. A lot. Steve (who recommended this to me) I don't know if you see this, but thank you! You are indeed awesome - and so is your job.

[@reimejahr]

This is amazing! Never heard of Battles until tonight ... So glad I came across this

[@Eddievanhello]

why and how this video is just in 240 p?? How dare you?

[@BooooClips]

+Eduardo Avila this was uploaded 9 years ago man... 9 years

[@Goreface69]

+Nick Ward They had 480p in 2007 though

[@mastersoftoday]

+Eduardo Avila I just found it in 720p on vimeo, uploaded by UVA (the studio that made the video) themselves! vimeo com / 3761534

[@reiva2009]

2007

[@kdawson2342]

shut. the. fuck. up.

[@sayntfuu]

Longest fade out ever! Oh so good.

[@thepurplebottle6]

cant wait to finally see these guys at pitchfork !!

[@mikeytheblack]

No love for all the stupid comments though.

[@EdmOil83]

didn't like battles when I first heard them, but then I am gave them some more chances and the more I listened to them the more they grew on me, now I actually really like them

[@frobro23]

this band is amazing, they get what music is, they feel this shit, i feel this shit, pure gold

[@DavidByrne85]

One of the stupider youtube comments sections I've browsed recently

[@peaceyteavo]

dat groove at 3:24 never fails to spunk some funk

[@edbegley5858]

it's like the soundtrack of a shitty biking game

[@ColossusOfRhodes]

I've see a lot of comments on Battles vids about how fun they are under the influence. I played them for my metalhead friends while we were baked and now they can't get enough. Battles make incredibly intriguing music - it's only scientific fact that proves the stoned brain will find it 10X more exciting.

[@bedfall]

yay they're coming SINGAPORE!

[@woodoven]

most certainly true at concerts. it just makes sense. especially for me, standing for 4 hours and my lower back is killing me

[@ohilikeyou]

I got shivers at the ends of my body

[@ppmny7015]

These guys make great music. Very original!

[@vivelavidarocka]

Agreed man, I live in New York (where they are from) and I've seen them twice, and I'm telling you: this guys rock! ...light a joint (and i'm not even talking something else) and you'll have an awesome time of GOOD music...

[@Ga7atTown]

these guys can't stop amazing me ... I have no idea why i love their music.. but i can't stop my self!!!!!! ??

[@servsatn]

I think it still has the "make me wanna move my body" element of pop music.

[@DoyafEELmee]

Excellent. This' wat music is all about. Our soul is constantly battling the forces of the external life, and this yearning to escape. Or solve it. Peace n love. Great band. Thanks for the vid.

[@Andwwea]

They were AMAZING live!

[@Capitano81]

blows my mind every time

[@depht_]

Because he's comfortable with it.

[@Guercinator]

The drumming kills me everytime

[@short537]

John Stanier sometimes reminds me of a day trader getting off from work and putting his left over energy and pains of the day into his drum set.

[@converge66]

Really should listen to these guys more....they kick ass...

[@Dipsetinstrum]

truly a gifted band they have talent

[@littleroom333]

Amazing. Just amazing.

[@knoxvillehermitfreemoviesm3625]

The musicians are mighty talented.

[@narc78]

God , this guys are damm good musicans! Like this song very much!

[@nolimit6377]

10 years after i first heard this, it's still amazing.

[@pantheon777]

I've been walking arond all day feeling like something was missing from my life. Then I remembered it was this song.

[@TheBradyJones]

Man, this is so mind blowing!

[@ruggerpots]

This video is by far one of the best videos I have had the privilage of seeing. Yes I agree with the comment a few below. You must listen to the entire album to understand them. As far as compared to The Mars Volta (TMV) it is the same thing, one must listen to the entire album to understand them. This is really their 1st album (sort of)their album prior constisted of their prior EP's they recorded themselves put together to form one album. I think Mirrored is an amazing album.

[@autobulb08]

uva did an awesome job. one of my favorite music-videos.

[@GreenFloorStudio]

3:26 is heaven

[@vladnuke]

God Bless You Bronies.

[@denise144253]

the begining sounds like those "live above the infleunce" commercials they always show on tv

[@amlouden]

Love this song, the layering of guitars is amazing

[@BillyWilliamson]

Mr. Stanier got that groove.

[@jizomondo]

great band and a great album

[@grazzer88]

I bet it was fun to mime playing between all those lights. :O