Album Notes

"Sorry You Missed It, this edgy rock band's debut, crashes into the music scene brimming with passion and power. Lead singer Aubrey Smith has the pipes of a gritty angel: Backed by vibrant beats and lush, melodic layerings, she turns songs of lost love into bittersweet, ferocious anthems."
-Marie Claire Magazine

If records could be described as books, the Batterie's new album Sorry You Missed It would be a sultry pulp novel, exuding sex and mystery with each song played. Today, July 29, marks the release date for the New York-based band's first album. There's even a local connection: bassist Joaquin C de Baca and soundscaper Gabriel hays met in the seventh grade at Alameda Junior High, right here in Santa Fe. Gabe was a student of local pianist Kevin Zoernig. Ambition and adulthood separated the pair for a few years, but they eventually reconnected, adding drummer Phil Kester and Aubrey Smith to their sumptuous mix. The quartet has produced an album reminiscent of Hooverphonic and ealry Siouxsie and the Banshees. Smith's haunting voice complements the crunching melodies of her band mates. The title track exemplifies the angry but mature melodies this band of lovelorn misfits can create. Other tracks, such as "One Way" stretch Smith's vocal range to the limit, revealing a sense of harmony that comes from her voice alone. The keyboard work throughout the album is like the sweet candy layers of a sour Gobstopper, at one moment absent, the very next moment omnipresent. With the assistance of veteran producers Joe Blaney (Lauryn Hill, the Clash), and Dan Grigsby (the Pretenders, Keith Richards), the Batterie's debut album will leave you sorry - if you missed it, that is. - Rob DeWalt (Pasateimpo, Santa Fe New Mexican's weekly arts magazine)

"The Batterie has a great and interesting musical approach. it's
progressive but without the pretense that most new bands have.
Aubrey's voice is like a Janis Joplin and Billie Holiday mix and her
sexy lyrics make you want to reach out and touch her..."
-Dan Grigsby
independent producer/engineer
nyc

Having spent the past year in the studio working with veteran producers Joe Blaney (The Clash, The Ravonettes, Lauryn Hill, Prince) and Dan Grigsby (the Pretenders, Keith Richards), The Batterie is finally ready to show everyone what they're all about. The band's debut album Sorry You Missed It centers on stories of broken love, broken promises, and a little hope for tomorrow.

The Batterie's huge sound combines a mixture of down-tempo compositions, freak-out guitar riffs, and a stable of hook-laden soundscapes surrounding Aubrey Smith's amazing voice. With its deep grooves and lush harmonies, the album represents the band's growth from a fierce live act to full-fledged storytellers. Check out the manic broken love on "Sorry You Missed It" (track 1), the surprising evolution of "In Your Pocket" (track 8) and Aubrey's Smith's fireworks on "Too Soon" (track 10).