Paul Duffus: Now this is fun. “The Yabba” comes at you like a seven-foot samurai doing a war dance (Samurai didn’t do war dances? Well just go with it…), like a seven foot samurai doing a war dance in full battle dress, creeping closer and closer with each stuttering step. You know what’s coming. He’s going to tear your face off at some point and you’re just waiting for it to happen. You know the drill. “The Yabba” starts with squeaks and squelches akin to mangled radar pings; the splurge gets more and more distorted; all the pieces assemble; drums kick the door down; and guitars rush in after, guns drawn. You get the idea and you know what’s approaching but you can’t resist. And of course with Battles there’s the usual obnoxiously goddamn brilliant playing from all concerned. A big imposing beast of a track. [9/10]
Adrien Begrand: After 2011’s Gloss Drop I was unconvinced Battles would ever top the whimsical genius of 2007’s Mirrored, but this new track give me hope. It takes its own time, deliberately paced, letting its little electronic squiggles worm their way around John Stanier’s simple beat. Then there’s a little break, the tension intensifies, and Stanier leads the charge with the kind of powerful drumming he’s famous for, the song careening to a crazed climax. Weird, unpredictable, and great fun. I’m excited for the new album now. [8/10]
SCORE: 8.5