Few things get me more excited than a track by Sleigh Bells. When Treats came out in 2010, I was blown away by the depth of sound I was experiencing. Sleigh Bells is for people that listen to Suicidal Tendencies, but also love the subtle qualities of Wilson Phillips. In fact, Sleigh Bells is more or less the love child of thrash metal, and early 90s power pop. I love speed metal drums. I love heavily amped and distorted guitars. I love how Alexis Krauss has absolutely, positively no respect for modern electronic rock. Therefore, I totally and unabashedly love Sleigh Bells. (I may or may not even have special dreams about Alexis Krauss.)
When Sleigh Bells first began getting blog love in 2010, the consensus was that Sleigh Bells would not last. I remember having an in depth conversation with the writer of another popular music blog (that will not be named), and he openly called Sleigh Bells a "gimmick". Well, if Sleigh Bells has shown us anything with this month's releases on Soundcloud, they're here, they're still making thrashy electronic, and music bloggers from South Florida should totally pull their heads of out their a** whilst listening to music.
The new album by Sleigh Bells is called Reign Of Terror, and it will be released on February 21st. Before the album drops, I'd expect the usual round of song leaks, followed by critics raving about how amazing the new album is. If you're lucky enough to be in Florida, you can check out Sleigh Bells, Diplo and Liturgy on tour in early February. Sleigh Bells will then be continuing nationwide with Black Bananas.
Their first single from the new album is called "Comeback Kid", and it's a rousing metal guitar anthem that draws heavy influence from their earlier songs. The drums come in with the usual glitched-out guitar slams, and a sonic walls hits you. The bridges and hooks are lighter, always followed by the slamming speed guitar. The whole song sounds like a hot tape wrapped over itself six times. Krauss doesn't push too hard with her spidery-light vocals, and three minutes later you're sitting there just thinking, "What the f**k did I just listen to? It was awesome." That's really the trademark of Sleigh Bells. You probably shouldn't love it as much as you do.
One more thing: We already covered "Born To Lose" here, but I'm including it as a bonus anyway. I must hear it again.
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