Artist of the Week: Sleigh Bells

Jingle Jangle All the Way

No need to adjust your audio equalizers, duo Sleigh Bells gives noise pop a whole new sound.

The first time I ever listened to Sleigh Bells there was some immense confusion. There are some Slash-like guitar riffs being poured over thumping beats, resonating sirens that could fit straight into The Who's "Baba O'Riley," and buzzes of static feedback broken up by spurts of silence. If you're a fan of bands like Le Tigre, you might know what this sounds like. But to add even more bewilderment, above all of this chaotic audio a soft, angelic voice sings the lyrics as if they are hymns.

Yet, there's something incredibly addicting about this strange amalgamation of concepts and sounds; almost in the same way M.I.A.'s music manages to be both extremely odd and catchy. That's why it came to no surprise that the Brooklyn-based duo was signed to the artist's N.E.E.T. Recordings.

Their debut album, Treats was released this past May and has received the utmost critical acclaim. It all started as Derek E. Miller was waiting on Alexis Krauss and her mother back in ‘08, and, when Miller told of his search for some vocal talent, Krauss's mother immediately volunteered her daughter for the spot. Only two years later, and Sleigh Bells has already managed to release an album that oozes originality. But let's see if this band can continue to put out some fresh material in the future that will keep on perplexing their audience.

Must Downloads: Tell ‘Em, Riot Rhythm, Kids, Crown on the Ground, Treats