[1] Most of the album is instrumental, but vocals are provided by various guests performers, including electronic musician Gary Numan[2] and Blonde Redhead's Kazu Makino.

The second single released was for "My Machines", featuring Gary Numan, which came in digital and vinyl formats with an instrumental version of the song and an album outtake, "A.M. Gestalt".

"Gloss Drop may be more accomplished than the band's debut; even if it's not quite as much of a powerhouse as Mirrored was, it shows that the trio version of Battles is lean, creative, and surprisingly adaptable", reviewer Heather Phares concludes.

[25] Amongst the more critical reviews, Dorain Lynsky from The Guardian stated that "there are dry, impenetrable patches, making Gloss Drop an album that ultimately impresses more than it charms.

"[17] In a similar sentiment, Sam Walby from Drowned in Sound wrote that "There is no question that this is a technically adept, well realised and urgent recording, but what seems to be a lacking is the je ne sais quoi that made Mirrored such a colossal debut album.

"[26] At BBC Music, Mike Diver opined that "Everything on Gloss Drop is excellently performed – the players are seasoned professionals, and with Battles a going concern since 2002 there was never going to be any sloppiness on show.

White Electric should raise many a pulse, and opener Africastle does everything the fair-weather Battles fan wants from them: it’s technically assured, tremendously structured, and you can dance to it.