Battles
Words: MacKenzie Pause
Photos: Marshall Dickson

June 19, 2007
Crowbar, Ybor City

I Have Battles In My Life

Instrumental super group, Battles, blew crowds away at their several Florida dates in June. I had the pleasure of witnessing the instrumental compositions live at The Social in Orlando and Crowbar in Tampa.

It didn’t take me long to observe drummer John Stanier as one of the main attractions, with a past linking him to Helmet and Tomahawk. His unconventional setup puts his drum kit front and center, while Ian Williams (also with a past in the instrumental band Don Caballero), Dave Konopka and Tyondai Braxton surround him with an assortment of guitar pedals, keyboards and iBooks.

Both shows were packed and illustrated the popularity growth since the first time I saw them at Will’s Pub a few years back to a crowd of about 50 people. While Orlando bobbed their heads to the beats and even had one guy vociferously yelling John’s name the entire show, Tampa danced and danced. In Orlando one guy with a striking resemblance to the Daily Show’s Mo Rocca summed up what effect Battles can have through his permi-grin and very unique, uncategorized dance moves.

Battles slammed out the same set both nights, with no lack of freshness. Their single, “Atlas,” off their newest release Mirrored got a tremendous response from both cities and added to an impeccable set.

As if the energetic (and sweaty) performance wasn’t enough to love this band, Battles went directly to their merch table where they sold their own merch and met their fans. The approachability factor of this band made my night with Battles that much better.

Orlando and Tampa made me proud to see a talented band appreciated, a drummer revered and some booties shaking with no pretense. Tampa had the best dancers, while some Social attendees sort of sang along to the indecipherable words of “Atlas” and both cities participated in kissing the ass of the “drummer from Helmet.” 

What really caught my attention was the crowd diversity. Battles brought out a myriad of music lovers, from the indie rockers to the hip hoppers.

If you missed the show, do yourself a favor and don’t let it happen again. Seeing this band live should be on everyone’s To-Do list before they die. Yes, they are that good. Just like their canvas bags say, I’m glad I have Battles in my life.