Sleigh Bells - Treats
A couple of days ago, I checked this album out on a whim. Like 'the xx' from last year, there was a whole heap of internet buzz surrounding the band. Do they live up to the hype?
My feeling during the first listen of the album can be expressed as follows:
1. what the hell is this? turn this shit off
2. that song was kinda cool
3. oh, and this one too
4. crown to the ground, oh my god epic.
5. it's already over? REPEAT
Clocking in at just over 30 minutes, this album is short and sweet, but packs a punch. The sheer volume of the album makes you stand up and pay attention, right from the first riff in Tell 'Em. The drum machines, thick riffs, electronic beats and synths and noise are so effortlessly blended together.
The tracks are in the same vein throughout - with vocals that range from sugary-sweet-pop sounding, to muffled cheerleading style shouts (like the cover suggests) ala crystal castles. Its a hard hitting album that might be a lot to take in for some listeners as it rarely slows down except for one track.
Standouts for me are: (and I'm really going to try hard not to list every track)
Tell 'Em - wouldn't have made the album open any other way
Riot Rhytum - the beat is fantastic, you're not sure whether to dance or headbang along
Infinity Guitars - cheer-style vocals and THAT riff is unforgettable, gets stuck in your head straight away
Run the Heart - Synth-dominated track with such a simple, but ingenious vocal hook.
Rill Rill - The only song that slows down the pace but manages to stand up next to the "heavier" tracks. Has such a summery feel to it.
Crown to the Ground - My favourite from the album. epic.
A/B Machines - when the beat kicks in.. omg.
I think my favourite aspect of the album is how many genres they have managed to mix into their sound. There's rock, alternative, pop, electronic, noise. hip-hop and even some industrial influence in the beats. Something about A/B Machines makes me think it belongs being played in a seedy goth club at 3am on a Sunday morning next to a Nine Inch Nails track.
The review speaks for itself - make sure you listen to this, cos you're in for a treat. huh? huh? you like that one?
9/10
A couple of days ago, I checked this album out on a whim. Like 'the xx' from last year, there was a whole heap of internet buzz surrounding the band. Do they live up to the hype?
My feeling during the first listen of the album can be expressed as follows:
1. what the hell is this? turn this shit off
2. that song was kinda cool
3. oh, and this one too
4. crown to the ground, oh my god epic.
5. it's already over? REPEAT
Clocking in at just over 30 minutes, this album is short and sweet, but packs a punch. The sheer volume of the album makes you stand up and pay attention, right from the first riff in Tell 'Em. The drum machines, thick riffs, electronic beats and synths and noise are so effortlessly blended together.
The tracks are in the same vein throughout - with vocals that range from sugary-sweet-pop sounding, to muffled cheerleading style shouts (like the cover suggests) ala crystal castles. Its a hard hitting album that might be a lot to take in for some listeners as it rarely slows down except for one track.
Standouts for me are: (and I'm really going to try hard not to list every track)
Tell 'Em - wouldn't have made the album open any other way
Riot Rhytum - the beat is fantastic, you're not sure whether to dance or headbang along
Infinity Guitars - cheer-style vocals and THAT riff is unforgettable, gets stuck in your head straight away
Run the Heart - Synth-dominated track with such a simple, but ingenious vocal hook.
Rill Rill - The only song that slows down the pace but manages to stand up next to the "heavier" tracks. Has such a summery feel to it.
Crown to the Ground - My favourite from the album. epic.
A/B Machines - when the beat kicks in.. omg.
I think my favourite aspect of the album is how many genres they have managed to mix into their sound. There's rock, alternative, pop, electronic, noise. hip-hop and even some industrial influence in the beats. Something about A/B Machines makes me think it belongs being played in a seedy goth club at 3am on a Sunday morning next to a Nine Inch Nails track.
The review speaks for itself - make sure you listen to this, cos you're in for a treat. huh? huh? you like that one?
9/10
