Most times it is a mistake to judge an album or anything for that matter based on your first listen, but sometimes your first impression is right on the money. I just listened to the new (much hyped) Sleigh Bells album 'Treats' on my way to work, and we'll have to see if my initial opinions hold up after repeated listens.
Right off the bat I realized that this album has to be listen to at high volume. Not just for the club effect they try to play off of, but because the production was intentionally blown out. The whole record is blown out, the drums, the guitar, synth sounds, which give the songs a distorted 'crunk-pop' feel. It's a pretty cool style actually.
While the drums and guitar meld into a throbbing rap beat, Alexis Krauss (former school teacher) lays pretty little nursery rhyme melodies on top, giving a sort of twisted cheerleader, 'ra-ra' vibe to the songs. Maybe that's why the album cover has a cheer leading troop with faces scratched off. Or maybe I'm reading too much into it.
Probably the biggest surprise to me was that the mastermind creating the beats and razor sharp guitar lines was Derek Miller from Poison the Well. Poison the Well was a hardcore band (and pretty nasty one at that) that couldn't be further from the pop melodies, and crunk rap beats we hear with Sleigh Bells.
'Treats' is being released on M.I.A.'s label N.E.E.T. Not too shabby! And the album is only $6.99 on iTunes, which is a great bargain since I went to 3 record store last night, and no had even heard of it. Nice! When am I moving to NY??
First Listen Review: 7/10
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