The Stranger

To a striking degree, Battles embody Kraftwerk’s “Mensch-Maschine” dynamic on record and in live settings—without really sounding like those German electronic-music pioneers. Through sheer virtuosity and nearly inhuman rhythmic precision (drummer John Stanier’s power and intricacy are unparalleled), Battles create electronic-organic anthems that can accrue metronomic mesmerism or zigzag wonkily into exhilarating math-rock equations. At Block Party, Battles brought the new Gloss Drop album to vivid life, as they flaunted some of the most intelligently euphoric sounds of our time. (Neptune Theatre, 1303 NE 45th St, www.stgpresents.org, 8 pm, $19, all ages) by Dave Segal

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