Sleigh Bells are probably no longer a band to watch for most of you guys since they have been getting buzz ever since there acclaimed CMJ performances last September. However, there are probably some of you who ignored them or wasn’t impressed by them at first. I would fall into a mix of both. I read about all the CMJ love that they received, but I was a left a little puzzled when I listened to the songs on their myspace. I let things die down a bit and gave them another chance a few months later, and it clicked. These songs are loads of fun.
The band consists of guitarist/song writer/producer Derek Miller and singer Alexis Krauss. Derek used to be in a hardcore band called Poison The Well, why Alexis is a schoolteacher. Quite a unique combo. They make rock music that is in your face loaded with big beats and distortion. The melodies are fuzzy but they become clear as the song goes on.
Sleigh Bells are making some pretty exciting music that you can’t really call one certain style. Each one of the 5 songs that they recorded and released online as demo’s are different sounding and diverse in their own nature. They have branded their own signature sound, which is pretty amazing at such a premature stage in their career. The songs should be remastered to glorious quality for the official release of Treats, which is coming out on May 11th courtesy of M.I.A.’s NEET Recordings and Mom + Pop. M.I.A. showed her enthusiasm for the band on twitter. Derek Miller did some production work on M.I.A.’s new record. He also produced Treats.
Check out the 5 songs that have been floating around for a while and get educated for the release of Treats!
[mp3] : Sleigh Bells – A/B Machines
[mp3] : Sleigh Bells – Crown On The Ground
[mp3] : Sleigh Bells – Infinity Guitars
[mp3] : Sleigh Bells – Ring Ring
[mp3] : Sleigh Bells – Beach Girls
@RCHodgkinson — 18 Mar 10
Very excited to see them open for Yeasayer. Then again at Pitchfork.
Johnny — 18 Mar 10
gotta admit, these guys rub me the wrong way. enjoy the blog very much though, i think usually our tastes align
Justin — 18 Mar 10
Believe the hype! Sleigh Bells are one of my fav new bands. They have a great sound & it will be interesting to see where they take it over the next couple of years. Thanks for posting them Will
Will — 18 Mar 10
@johnny – Like I said, I wasn’t really into them until more recently. I didn’t get them at first but somewhere something clicked. So, maybe wait for the album when the stuff is mastered and what not!
[new] Sleigh Bells – Tell ‘Em | We All Want Someone To Shout For — 28 Apr 10
[...] wait for the rest of Treats. I called them a band to watch, and if you have been watching, you are in for quite a [...]