Battle - 'The Longest Time'

OK so 'The Chinese Democracy' it ain't, but with over two years having passed since their first single and an entire set of album sessions already scrapped, it's not been a straightforward journey to the brink of Battle's debut album. On 'The Longest Time' Jason Bavanandan's voice sounds more impassioned and urgent than ever before, and the layered percussion and echo-soaked guitar create a dark and enveloping atmosphere. Great while it's playing, then, but the lack of a chorus renders it almost completely forgettable. Not a great single, but a promising hint towards an interesting album: tenacity and a combatant attitude have brought Battle this far, and it would be unwise to bet against them now.

Released 02/07/07 on Transgressive Recordings