"That's one thing I hate. All the noise noise noise noise" - The Grinch.
Say hello to new electro-pop duo Sleigh Bells, the most polarizing new act since M.I.A. - who just so happens to have produced their debut album Treats. Their music is fuzzy, abrasive, chaotic and almost distorted to the point beyond comprehension.
This brash twosome hale from Brooklyn, where a buzz had steadily built for the past two years. The band's gig at this year's SXSW festival was one of the most anticipated slots of the weekend - and they hadn't even released a single album.
Treats is a half hour blast of some of the most unhinged music you'll hear all year. Each track is a blistering synth extravaganza where vocalist Alexis Krauss gets her spaz on to the thrashing guitars and beats of Derek Miller. They make an inspired pair who boldly ride on the coat tails of M.I.A. yet add more melody to make the whole affair sound completely original - to a point.
Acoustic tune "Rill Rill" is the closest Sleigh Bells comes to achieving radio friendly territory. "I wonder what you're boyfriend thinks about your braces?" Krauss ponders to a laid back beat and smooth six strings.
The rest of the album is challenging and off putting on purpose. "Crown on the Ground" is almost unlistenable because it's so compressed. Even the backing track is distorted because it's been mixed so loud. I know it's supposed to add to the aesthetic, but even at three minutes, the song is a stretch to listen to.
Treats is front loaded for a reason. The best songs are presented first so you actually want to listen to them. "Tell 'Em", "Riot Rhythm" and "Infinity Guitars" are jagged roses if you let them grow on you. Just imagine this album as musical beer goggles. If you have enough substances in your system, Treats is just that. If you're on the sober end of the equation you may struggle to instantly like, let alone love this band.
The middle ground for Sleigh Bells will be nonexistent. Critics will love them for their "individuality", Ke$ha fans will be boggled by their recklessly contained nature. The Hanging Tree sees Treats for what it is, a solid debut by a band who needs to keep experimenting - for better or worse. Because the more they push themselves, they more they challenge popular music. Take that Will.I.Am.
Grade: B
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