Album Reviews

Sleigh Bells- Reign of Terror

Even before Brooklyn based duo, Sleigh Bells, released their debut album Treats in May of 2010 they had already found their niche in the indie scene.  Their popularity snowballed quickly.  Aided by a performance at the CMJ Music Festival and the interest M.I.A had in songwriter/guitarist/producer Derek Miller, she his magical way of mixing heavy guitar and hip-hop inspired beats.

The group did a European tour with M.I.A., were invited to play Coachella Music Festival and had their tracks featured in Nike commercials.  Their arrival into our iTunes libraries and cd collections couldn’t have been more flawless.

Reign of Terror, the sophomore release put out by Mom+Pop, began recordings right after the tour for Treats, which was over a year long.  This album doesn’t feel like it was problematic for them at all.  Sleigh Bells signature sound of slamming guitars paired with beats and vocalist Alexis Krauss’ cheerleader-esque coos.

Photo Courtesy: blikeng (flickr)

Structurally, the album is littered with “hits.”  It will be released on February 21 but the New York Times website is streaming the whole album.

The two singles off the album; are “Born to Lose” and “Comeback Kid,” the latter now has a music video.  I am going to say straight up that I was less than impressed.  It consisted of Krauss dancing in the street, lying on a bed, and walking in a grocery store. While my sentiment wasn’t positive, it seems she is known for vanity on stage, and if it works, it works.

The tracks are almost demonic pop, shown in “Road to Hell.”  Krauss’s voice is entrancing like that of a siren, but she doesn’t necessarily have the ability to entrance me with emotions of primal sexual instincts, it’s more adolescent.  (Hope that’s not too pedophilic.)   While all songs are good examples of this I find closer “D.O.A” to be a seamless model.

“Crush” falls right into the manic marching band sound, but its catchy, so catchy.  It reminds me of a high school pep rally.  In a school made up of the coolest of cool, head banging individuals.

Reign of Terror highlights Sleigh Bells strengths.  Miller knows how to methodically execute and present what the group assets; visceral sound with melodic vocals. The duo’s steam doesn’t seem to be running out.  They will be featured on the cover of Spin Magazine this month, and will perform on Saturday Night Live on February 18.

Photo Courtesy: blikeng (flickr)

Click to Share

Post Comments