Battery

Heroes of the industrial revolution, Battery combined all the clash and batter that their name implied with gothic veins, raw emotion, and the occasional slingshot appearance of Maria's absolutely stunning voice, to deliver a package that had broader appeal than many would have expected. By the time 1998's Aftermath hit the streets, after all, the genre had been pretty well assimilated into the mainstream, and the band's rougher edges were correspondingly smoothed out. From the opening title track, which runs from riot grrrl passion to all but operatic extremes in less time than it takes to start a chainsaw, Battery only continues to excite. "This Much" strays into nearly mellow territory, while both the pretty "Theme" and similarly emoted and nicely hushed "Wist" belie Battery's darker wave roots. And, really, if there were even any question, they certainly put the matter to rest on a cover of the Cure's Faith-era "All Cats Are Grey." Vocally driven at first, with a re-jigged tempo, this song is both a traditional cover and true industrial reinterpretation. Unfortunately, Battery never really collected the mainstream recognition they surely deserved. But that never deterred them, and their long career, of which Aftermath is certainly a highlight, is testament to their creative drive. ~ Amy Hanson, All Music Guide