The battles themselves are one of the reasons I am draw to this anime as much as I am. Every battle is big with an enormous amount of human soldiers, ships, and alien species. As the series progresses the battles get bigger, more impressive and much more destructive. Personally I feel like based on the battles alone I feel like this anime is worth at least checking out. Also while this is considered a Mecha in some regards, its done in a much similar way it is done in Code Geass, where the Mechs are just this anime's version of a super soldier and are just as destructible as anything else is, which I feel is much more exciting.
The characters in the series are nothing too special, and are none too unique, but there are a few characters that you will get attached to and that's when the series picks up, because then it matters to you if they die.
As far as music goes, the only song of interest is the opening which is very good, but not so much so that it worthy of extra special note (other than this one of course) but nonetheless is a catchy tune and you will find yourself listening to it out of choice at the beginning of each episode.
Overall, the story and characters are nothing new but are done well so while you have a good idea how the series will end, the journey itself is the most enjoyable part. I'd recommend this anime simply based on the battles alone, they are so big and impressive that they (with good reason) take center stage. If you have the time and are in the mood for an epic space survival full of large scale battle, give this one a try, because personally I never get tired of it.
