The Breeders: Mountain Battles

Label: 4AD

It’s been far too long since the Breeders gave us a new album, but Mountain Battles sure was worth the wait. Far from the ultra-catchy and inspired pop of The Last Splash, Mountain Battles carries on with the sparse and minimal rock tradition of Pod and Title TK. “Bang On,” with its quirky guitar riff and simple distorted drumbeat, is an infectious punk-rock track with Kim Deal mouthing off “I love no one and no one loves me.” The beautifully melancholic “Night of Joy” and “We’re Gonna Rise” display pure raw emotion with their desolate minor guitar chords and sorrowful backing vocals, while “Walk It Off”’s simple and plodding rhythm section instantly brings to mind The Pixies. Oh, and there’s even a ballad sung in Spanish called “Regalame Esta Noche.” All good fun! The Deal sisters have delivered another straight-to-the-point rock record with quiet moments and sudden explosions of noisy guitars. Classic album number four for The Breeders, check! (Morgane)