Party with Battles

Multi-multi-multi-instrumentalists Battles are on tour in support of their first full-length, Mirrored, which just so happens to be one of the best-reviewed albums so far this year. That really shouldn't come as a surprise, considering the pedigree: the electro/math rock foursome includes former members of seminal post-rock bands Helmet, Lynx, and Don Cabellero. So sez the glowing Pitchfork review:

Battles may not be the world's first bionic rock group, but they've done more to extend the idea of a flesh-and-blood band enhanced by computer technology than anyone since the late, lamented Disco Inferno. Mirrored is a breathtaking aesthetic left-turn that sounds less like rock circa 2007 than rock circa 2097, a world where Marshall stacks and micro-processing go hand in hand.

Next Thursday, after the rockets' red flares and all those bombs bursting in air, Battles will be at the Croc to make brains melt and heads explode. But before they play the show proper (doors 9pm), they'll be playing a few songs (also broadcast on KEXP) at an invite-only pre-show soundcheck party from 6:30-7:30pm, care of the good people at Zune. Seattle must be lucky, because this is the only show on Battles' American tour where they'll be hosting such an event. The kids are lucky too: while the show at 9pm is 21+, the soundcheck party is all-ages.

Seattlest has spots on the guestlist for next Thursday's party. Two winners get to bring a friend to check out the soundcheck (note: the winners unfortunately may not stay for the actual show...unless you've got tickets, of course). Just fill out the entry form below for your chance to win. No worries: Your info is safe with us and will not be shared with advertisers and/or the government. We'll be drawing two winners Tuesday morning at 9am.