Album Review

Sleigh Bells – Treats

• 13th Sep 2010

Ok, so you must have heard, MIA is loving her newly found little treasure that is Sleigh Bells and it’s obvious why… dirty beats combined with an angelic voice.

I know what your thinking, it doesn’t sound like these two elements should be on the same spiritual plane but they are and they work! This album has tracks that will get you to sway and hold your chest in passion however, the majority of the album will get you on that dance floor and rocking out!

The album uses anything it can to get the sound needed for each track, from guitars to electronics. Mixing each and every element in every track brings one of the freshest sounds to arrive! There are actually no bands that come to mind that are doing this kind of thing at the moment.

Opening track ‘Tell Em’ hits you in the gut with its massive beat before the guitar riffs come in and kick you in the head, then you hear the sultry tones of Alexis Krauss which send shivers down your spine. ‘Riot Rhythm’ mixes hip hop beats guitar screeches and cheerleader-like chants, all the while Alexis’ voice lays over the top like the softest feather.

One of the more relaxed tracks on this album is ‘Rachel’ you can hear Krauss’ soft voice soothing your mood to the melodies of relaxed dance synths. Then the album hits back with ‘Crown on the Ground’.

I can see why MIA loves this band and why she has signed them to her label. For this, I want to thank you MIA because this record needs to be heard!

My only small niggle is that you turn up the mix on Alexis’ voice next time, thanks.