By Scott Jeffrey
The follow up to the smash 2010 hit Treats. Alexis Krauss and Derek E. Millar of Sleigh Bells are back with their new album, Reign Of Terror.
With a title like this one we expect maybe an even heavier sound than Treats. Which is not always true on this record. End Of The Line is a slower song in fact that reminds me of a track in a teen movie. The loud guitar sound that blasts you out of your seat is turned down really low, mostly replaced by synth. Though it remains pretty fast and upbeat something about the song is melancholic and not fitting the fun time vibe this band is usually all about.
You Lost Me takes me right back to the time at a wedding ceremony where the band breaks into 80s revival and everyone is left thinking of the last time they slow danced to Lady In Red By Chris de Burgh. This is another downer song for sure.
Fear not, there are heavy, fun songs on this album however. Demons might as well be in Blade movie. It’s the perfect sort of riff to kick some bad guy ass to. The really heavy machinegun drums sound through the whole song with a really calculated riff that just sounds so badass. It is simple and iconic of the Sleigh Bells sound.
Born To Lose is the definite standout. I love the opening guitar riff, the whole thing is just the same style as Treats, but with a bit of sad spin that this album seems to have on it. The song sounds extremely happy until you listen to the lyrics. It has a really infectious quality and sticks in your head like a tumor.
The final track DOA is a great send off as well. It just bops along in an almost classical way ending abruptly leaving you wanting more.
6.5/10
Take away thoughts: I didn’t like this album quite as much treats. It shows some real progression from the band and isn’t just the same old, same old. I would recommend checking it out if you are a fan, but I also wouldn’t go in with high hopes, Treats will remain on heavy rotation but I can see a few of the tracks on Reign of Terror finding their way off my playlist.
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