Never easy to categorize, Birds & Batteries continue to cut their own path of genre-less music. Previously revered by some as alt-country garage, fuzzy synth psych, or electronic-pop, Birds & Batteries again find themselves in new territory with their latest EP, Up To No Good, which songwriter Mike Sempert describes as “a spooky-funky adventure.” Heavily influenced by Bowie’s Scary Monsters, P-Funk and John Carpenter films, the EP manages to convey a degree of mystery/magic amidst post-modern wreckage, combining the fun of late-’70s freak funk with a detached, studio cool of ’80s R&B.

Still centered around the art of the song, redoubled by meticulous arrangements and rich atmospheres, B&B saw the EP format as an opportunity to dig deeper into one group of sounds, with synth bass, kick drum, percussion, and voice at the forefront. The result is more focused than previous efforts, allowing for a unified statement and narrative to emerge as well as a 19-minute dance party.

They will be on the road this fall and winter to support Up To No Good and previewing songs from their upcoming full-length due in 2010.

Right click (option click for mac) to download!

[download id="50" format="1"]