Sleigh Bells have always drawn comparisons with Crystal Castles ; in majority because they combine electro with a feisty female singer, one who knows how to scream in a way that has the potential to create brilliant tracks, whilst simultaneously making your ears bleed if you get too close.
New album Reign of Terror, however has a new edge to it, the shouting and heavily layered riffs have been pushed marginally into the background to be replaced by relatively dulcet tones for front singer Alexis Krauss, and lead single ‘Born to Lose’ could actually be described as sickly sweet, if it wasn’t for lyrics like “Heard you say suicide in your sleep, just get on with it”.
Despite this, Sleigh Bells have managed to hold onto some of their unique charm that led to their success in the first place; each song is immediately recognisable as one of theirs, mainly through guitarist Derek Miller’s talented finger work combined flawlessly with lyrics that are dripping with sexual derangement. Aptly named ‘Demons’ and ‘Never Say Die’ hold some of the old fierceness in their fast- paced jauntiness and final song ‘D.O.A’ is definitely a stand out track, in that it’s 80’s rock opening is later shadowed by eerily lilting vocals that end so abruptly that you’re left wondering what you’ve just been listening to at all.
Regardless of the album’s positives, I can’t help and be disappointed when songs like ‘The Come-Back Kid’ start off with the potential to make you think drugs are cool, which undoubtably ‘Treats’ did, and yet come out sounding like something ‘alternative’ they’d play in Oceana. ‘Reign of Terror’ does have great potential and yet it feels similar to when your mum puts your favourite shoes in the wash; it’s cleaner and it should be better but somehow it’s not half as exciting.
Words by Sophie Stones
Reign of Terror is out now on Mom + Pop now.
