Pairing intricate Math Rock and synth pop, New York’s Battles are an impassioned and persevering trio dedicated to continually expanding their experimental output. While their 2007 debut LP, Mirrored, was a shot of prog and post-rock influences, it is their 2011 release, Gloss Drop, which is re-defining the band for fans old and new. Up until last year, Battles was four members strong, but the departure of founding member and multi-instrumentalist Tyondai Baxter left the remaining members with questions to answer and shoes to fill. Opting not to replace Braxton, the newly slimmed down trio of guitarists Ian Williams, Dave Konopka, and drummer John Stanier painstakingly re-invented themselves and the album they were already near completing. Starting over from scratch , Gloss Drop emerged as a surprisingly bright and upbeat record, one that plays out fantastically live, with Williams and Konopka each scrambling about onstage between synths and guitars while Stanier anchors the set with a pounding rhythm. Both cerebral and physical in nature, the music of Battles will make you move and leave you breathless. CHARLES SWANSON