Sleigh Bells - "Reign of Terror"

Artist: Sleigh Bells
Album: Reign of Terror
Label: Mom + Pop and Sony Music
Release Date: February 21, 2012
Review by: Sean Kayden

Noise-pop aficionados, Sleigh Bells, grandly return with “Reign of Terror,” the follow-up to their critically praised opus, “Teats.” Guitarist/producer Derek Edward Miller and vocalist Alexis Krauss burst onto the scene over two years ago and got the attention of the artist M.I.A. Soon after, their awareness became known and a record contract was set. The Brooklyn duo’s sound was appealing, electrifying, and frankly, all over the place. For this outing, Sleigh Bells set their sights on crafting a good album rather than a body of work to stand the test of time. “Reign Of Terror” is loud and vehemently ferocious. It’s in your face and packs a strong punch with its intensity and digitally hardcore approach. Sleigh Bells rely heavily on electronics to deepen their previously reputable panache. However, at the end of the day, you must take in consideration if Sleigh Bells are more concerned with image, pompous style, and popularity than originality, freshness, and leading a crowded pack rather than just flowing side by side with it. The scattered pleasures found on “Reign of Terror” are irrefutably wonderful. But when Sleigh Bells merely settle for trendiness, red flags are raised, which makes one think, is this band the real deal or simply just MTV-bound?

I find it increasingly difficult to really compare the band’s two albums. The problem is that they’re really not all that different from one another. Therefore, is Sleigh Bells trying to capture upon the success of their first record with a retreaded sound? After listening to the album all the way through, I realized their sound has become less aggressive. Personally, I prefer it because I enjoy the consistency within the songs more so than the frenzy approach the former record had to offer. When you reach the fourth track, “End Of The Line,” you’ll be listening to the finest song off the album. It’s a genuinely personal track that displays an 80s ballad driven pop sound. It’s definitely one of the more somber tunes off the record. “You Lost Me” is another ineffaceable tune. It leads one to believe that when Sleigh Bells want to be good, they can be truly great. Unfortunately, the path from track one to track eleven is at times problematic. Sometimes you’ll enjoy the sights and sounds in one area and other times, find yourself apprehensively waiting for the next frontier.

Sleigh Bells have immense potential even if it wasn’t on display here to its fullest. They can sparkle and dazzle when they feel like it, but also fall into their own depths of derivativeness. “Reign of Terror” is not a great album. However, it’s a collection of songs to demonstrate how Sleigh Bells are good at what they set out to do. Now if only the listener knew exactly what their motives were, they could devote a little more to their cause, whatever it may be for. Hopefully, it’s less for glory and fame and more for stepping out of the box and exploring the unexplored.

Grade: 7.1 out of 10
Key Tracks: “End of the Line”, “You Lost Me”, “Leader of The Pack”

Published by Mountain Views News on March 3rd, 2012
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n09/p15.htm