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. 

Twisted Tongue - Twisted Tongue

If you were to put the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Black Eyed Peas, and Gnarls Barkley into a blender, add a little spice and leave to settle for a good 5 minutes, the end product would be Twisted Tongue.  

The self–titled debut album resembles that of the 1970’s funkadelic movement intertwined with clear influences’ of modern day acts such as the Black Eyed Peas.  The initial track ‘You Want Soul?’ is a slow, sexy groove, with a typical funk bass line, think Black Moth Super Rainbow – Drippy Eye.  The funk bass line is dominant on all tracks, and accompanied by drums gives the album the trademark groove many funk albums have been famed for.  

Album artwork carries a futuristic theme, with Pac–Man inspired lettering on song titles and bright blue and garish pink font on a black background gracing the front cover.  Song titles are simply baffling, for instance; ‘Oh Father! My Own Nunk Band!’ and ‘Who Says An Earth Band Can’t Play Nunk?’.  The overuse of a soon forgotten word ‘Nunk’ is evident.  It’s definition simply; A person committed by a vow, e.g. Monk.  

The songs themselves are an interesting mix, the beginning of ‘Killing Angela’ is straight out of a sleazy American cop movie, whilst Gnarles Barkley’s influence is clear on the song ‘Mindbeam’. Last of all ‘(I Need A) Freak For Armageddon’ is Pendulum remixed with a dash of Amy Winehouse. Make your own decisions as to how that sounds.  

In essence the tracks don’t sound overly different from each other and also prove Twisted Tongue can use a synthesiser.  Nevertheless drag your flares, oversized afro wig and tasselled shirts from the depths of your wardrobe, get to your nearest 70’s club and request Twisted Tongue.  The smile is guaranteed not to subside for some time.