Imagine a teen pop singer run into a hardcore noise rocker who enjoys danceable hip-hop.What in the world would you get out of that? I've got an answer; Sleigh Bells. The Brooklyn, New Yokers bring out there debut album Treats after gaining tremendous attention from the likes of New York Times, Pitchfork, and other sources from their online released demos and singles off the M.I.A. label N.E.E.T..
Treats is set up like a traditional pop album. Average 32 minute run time, short two to three minute songs, one definitive single ("Tell 'Em"), boy does that not describe Treats in anyway. Sleigh Bells releases one of the loudest, rough record of the year so far. With layers of heavily distorted guitar, out of place (yet unique) female vocals of Alexis Krauss and hip-hop beats underneath all the loud noise. It really sounds like nothing else.
The vocals are truly the biggest downfall for the album. Though it is unique and diverse and stays fresh between songs, Krauss's teen pop voice just doesn't work. The only song that has above mediocre vocals is the most inventive and accessible song "Rill Rill" which sounds really identicle to M.I.A.. But songs like "Crown On the Ground" and "A/B Machines" where voice just doesn't blend at all with the music going on.
The noisy quality of the album is really something for hardcore noise pop fans. Put unlike other notable noise rockers like No Age or legends The Jesus Lizards, Sleigh Bells bring in unique elements like hip-hop and dance to their sound. On the opening track "Tell 'Em" the heavy bass beats clash head on with the synths that producer and guitarist Derek Miller crafts together have the dynamics of two dueling dragons. The dynamics of Treats is a very brave and tenacious effort. It's one of those albums where it is just so unbearably loud like a lot of hardcore punk and heavy metal LPs.
The song structure is basic dancing beats that follow a constant rhythm throughout the entirety of the tracks. It sounds jagged and not natural and greatly lessens the quality of the record. The only song that really flows beautiful is "Rill Rill". The studio trickery that is used on "Rill Rill" is one of the most inventive of 2010. The guitar sounds like it's going backwards and yet has a driving force to it. Using complex chords, Miller's shining moment of simple acoustics is more enjoyable than the piercing screams of the electric guitar.
One of the most challenging and loud albums of the year, Treats has little to offer for someone with a need for relaxing music. The blurry distortion of "Crown On the Ground" takes making music tense to a whole new level. With just one enjoyable song ("Rill Rill") Sleigh Bells don't impress despite the very unique sound that is like nothing in music today.
Overall: 4.6/10.0
Track Listing:
1. Tell 'Em - 5.0
2. Kids - 4.0
3. Riot Rhythm - 5.0
4. Infinity Guitars - 6.5
5. Run the Heart - 4.0
6. Rachel - 4.0
7. Rill Rill - 8.5
8. Crown On the Ground - 4.0
9. Straight A's - 3.5
10. A/B Machines - 6.5
11. Treats - 5.0
Sample:
"Infinity Guitars (Live)"
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