Album: Sleigh Bells - Treats

When Metal and generic pop collide it has a tendency to sound like a discordant mess – going to together like chalk and cheese so to speak.  The fact of the matter is; the American duo fronting Sleigh Bells come from those exact backgrounds.  Female vocalist Alexis Krauss found her break playing in a teen pop band, meanwhile, Derek Miller was getting hot and sweaty fronting metal band Poison The Well.  Sleigh Bells – Treats, is a brash, ballsy and somewhat deafening mix between the two genres.  Tell ‘Em begins proceedings, and frankly, it’s so loud and aggressive it demands to be listened to.  Alas, Alexis vocals take attention away from the growling instrumentation in the background – giving your ears some rest bite, and a chance to soak-up the song as a whole. Derek’s influence is clear, with the intense volume not subsiding until over half way into the album.  By this time, most people would have a severe headache or turned off – so the arrival of ‘Rill Rill’ is a welcome break.  Showing off the full range of Alexis singing talents ‘Rill Rill’ is much softer offering, showing a vulnerable side to the duo.  Heavy influences from Crystal Castles are clear on ‘Rachel’ - where the pace is slowed and the electronica is left to do its work.  And work it does, Alexis vocals once again shine through, and are simply mesmerizing. In essence, Treats is full of variety which stops it becoming overpowering and just another generic electronic album. If musical diversity runs through your blood – go and purchase this album.