Sleigh Bells

VIMTV Album Review #443: Sleigh Bells – Reign of Terror

Jake: Recommended, 77/100

Tom: Recommended, 72/100

Verdict: Recommended for fans of noisy, fun music with fat beats and noisy guitar lines.

Overview: After we reviewed Sleigh Bells’ debut album, Treats, we were very curious where this duo would take their sound next. After two years and the release of Reign of Terror, we finally got our answer– and weren’t very surprised. This album doesn’t stray far from home base for Sleigh Bells. It’s still centered around thick, cadenced beats and female vocals that can jump from in-your-face to smooth and sentimental, but the balance is switched up a bit. This album is all about the guitar, and the vocals focus more on harmony than added punch. The songwriting isn’t stellar, but it’s not terrible either. Altogether, Reign of Terror is a decent album that shows a young group heading in the right direction, even if they’re not quite there yet.

Jake’s Track Picks:

2. Born To Lose
4. End of the Line
6. Demons

Tom’s Track Picks:

2. Born To Lose
4. End of the Line
5. Comeback Kid

VIMTV Research Links:

Born To Lose

VIMTV Episode #129: Sleigh Bells – Treats

Jake: Recommended, 75/100

Tom: Recommended, 76/100

Please Note: Since this was filmed, Jake has been subdued from his vices and now is a huge fan of this album; probably an upper 80′s play in hindsight.

Overview: The debut album from the Brooklyn duo Sleigh Bells can be quite a polarizing experience. It overflows with an attitude and energy that’s driven by arena guitars and noisy march beats, which will be alluring to many. On the other hand, the sound is overdriven and pushed to the max, and there isn’t much to offer in the variety or quantity departments. So when it comes down to it, Treats doesn’t cater to the critical ear– whether this album is accessible to you lies in the heart, not the head.

Recommended Similar Artists: Yeasayer, Phantogram, The Go! Team

Artwork:

Jake’s Track Picks: