Album Review: Sleigh Bells, ‘Reign of Terror’

Patrick Maguire Contributing Writer

With a recent debut on “Saturday Night Live,” Sleigh Bells has been receiving more exposure to the media than ever before.

Sleigh Bells formed in 2008 and has gained fans ever since. Sleigh Bells’ previous album “Treats” was released exclusively on iTunes; the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival featured the band in 2010 and 2011.

The band’s second album “Reign of Terror” stays true to the first album, with heavy electronic beats placed throughout. The album’s electric tracks are much different than most groups in the genre as their style steers clear of dub step or techno. Sleigh Bells’ electronic sound is uniquely experimental. However, this album differs from their first in that it relies more heavily on guitar and drums than an electric pulse, giving many of the songs more of a hard-rock feel.

The second song on the album, “Born to Lose,” shows off extremes in volume before trailing off into a lowfi eeriness that stands out even in the mass of playback fuzz in which much of the rest of the album swims. “Comeback Kid” is fitting for a sophomore album (“You gotta try a little harder; you’re a comeback kid”), which almost borders on making it seem too easy.

Having played exclusively in Florida venues for the first half of their tour, Sleigh Bells will finish their tour in Seattle, Wash. CT