If you're not familiar with Battles' brand of math rock (jaw-dropping) or their quasi all-star lineup (ex-Don Cab guitarist, ex-Helmet drummer, Anthony Braxton's son Tyondai), don't worry - Mirrored will get you up to speed real quick. The band's always been technically sound, but this record sounds like it cost about a million bucks to produce and the playing is tighter than ever. They've even got vocals this time! The lead single, "Atlas(1)," has been getting a lot of attention on the other side of the pond, where they play highly technical nerd rock on drive time radio. The opening and closing tracks - "Race:In(2)" and "Race:Out(3)" - are more than just a pair of boring bookends": in keeping with the album's title and theme, they're soundalikes, weird reflections of one another full of intricate guitar work and drumming that makes my arms hurt just listening to it. Check the fuzzy, beat-propelled "Leyendecker(4)," the wacky "Ddiamondd(5)" and the way-too-short interlude "Prismism." This vinyl version includes a 12"x24" fold-out poster with the album's cover, as shot by NYC's own Timothy Saccenti. 11 tracks; 52 minutes; double vinyl.

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red