Photo: courtesy The House List
Sugar, spice, and everything nice; these were the ingredients chosen to create the perfect pop group. But Professor Utonium accidently added an extra ingredient to the concoction: hard rock ‘n’ roll. Thus the duo known as Sleigh Bells was formed. Using their ultra-cool music, Alexis Krauss and Derek E. Miller have dedicated their lives to fighting boring records and the forces of evil.
Taking their name from those jingling, ring-ting-tingling Christmas adornments, Sleigh Bells is guaranteed to give you more energy than a venti cappuccino from Norbucks. The noise pop duo is back with their sophomore release Reign of Terror, one of the most anticipated albums of 2012.
The album cover features a pair of dirty, bloody Keds, reminiscent of a time when bruises and messy clothes were worn with youthful pride. Or that Saturday night you wish to forget. The effortless but badass album cover is illustrative of Krauss and Miller–the two simply ooze cool.
“True Shred Guitar” opens the album, sounding nothing short of brash ’80s arena-rock. The liveliness within Krauss’ expletives, Miller’s piercing guitar, and the roaring crowd sets the tone for the album to be nothing but intense. “Born to Lose” follows, a sinister drum machine-heavy anthem boasting Krauss’ dreamy voice. Like birds chirping during a demolition, Krauss’ pop-friendly vocals seamlessly flow with Miller’s hardcore-influenced production.
Upbeat may be the most redundant word to describe Sleigh Bells, but listening to the thunderous beats, electronic sampling, and comforting crooning of “Comeback Kid” makes it one of the most unintentionally motivational songs of 2012. Dark-haired, red-lipped and sporting a studded leather jacket, Krauss is undeniably girl-crush worthy in the music video.
The slower tempo and farewell theme of “End of the Line” gives the track an oddly serene quality. “You Lost Me,” a tune with the retro synth feel of the Drive Soundtrack, is hauntingly moving.
Sleigh Bells debut album Treats was the earsplitting summer soundtrack of 2010. Reign of Terror is as loud but more melodious, not to say you won’t need ibuprofen after listening to the noisy Brooklyn duo. With midterms, papers and finals ever-present, Reign of Terror will be the distracting force keeping assignments unfinished and heads banging.
