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Sure, you could say that we’re a little bit late on getting into the whole Sleigh Bells Treats hype, but we do have our reasons. The first one is that the album didn’t actually make it out until today. Our second reason is that we’re (ATH) just not into it at all, and we haven’t been for quite some time (since the beginning to be honest). The question for most of you will be can we legitimately rally against this album with substance rather than just go against the grain.
First, let me get the fun factor out of the way. I see that some people might find this an enjoyable record to listen to while they’re prepping for the evening, and I respect your right to feel that way. But, I’m not sure where the fun is being generated from. Opening track “Tell Em'” has some watered down arena rock power chords thrown in there, and the beats are probably one of the more annoying things I’ve come across, not to mention the fact that they aren’t interesting in the least bit. Perhaps it’s the banging beats that resemble some sort of cheesy radio-friendly single, or the fact that her vocals in some part greatly resemble MIA, who I’m personally not into either.
Speaking of lacking originality, my main factor for hating this band is their blatant rip off of The Kills. I promise you that if you were to go and listen to the construction of the songs, you would notice some striking similarities. For instance, take “Infinity Guitars” then go listen to The Kills “Alphabet Pony.” It’s far too similar for this to be merely a coincidence, and since Derek comes from a sort of punk background, he’ll likely know about Alison Mosshart if he knows his history. Instead of the dirtiness of The Kills, Sleigh Bells is using a more metal guitar sound, and what sounds a lot like reggaeton dance beats (the uninspired ones). Personally, neither of those attributes really instills any emotions within, and despite being awfully loud, the musical sounds just aren’t really progressive enough to catch my attention.
And at time, Alexis is just moaning or making grunts into the microphone during the entirety of songs, such as “Rachel.” I’m not sure how that qualifies as fun or enjoyable, but I know a lot of people out there who seem to be enjoying it. Really, the most disruptive thing about Treats is the fact that I feel like I’m in some high school gymnasium preparing for the big homecoming football game against our bitter rivals. Alexis is that annoying cheerleader you all think is hot, but you probably hate (not that I hate Alexis, or know her even), who just yells to pump you all up while you stomp your feet on the bleachers. How is that interesting? I hated pep rallies, and having to endure an album’s worth of pep rally is just far too much for this listener.
So, in conclusion, you should go listen to The Kills (they’re far better). You’ll love Sleigh Bells (or hate them) for all of about ten minutes of Treats before you realize that it’s not really fun, and in fact, its quite grating. There are better bands that use electronics and guitar parts for a far more creative output. Then again, this is all just one man’s opinion, so please don’t take offense. You’re allowed to like what you like, and I’m allowed to have my voice, so let’s leave it at that, remaining friends forever.
**Note** This review is in no way sponsored by The Kills or approved by The Kills.
Ugly Cassanova is the side-project of Modest Mouse frontman Issac Brock. He’s recorded a bunch of tracks for the soundtrack for the movie 180° South, and this is really the first batch of songs without the band in quite some time. The soundtrack comes out on June 22nd on Brushfire Records. Personally, this is how I remember Brock in his hey-day, all wobbling vocals with a touch of soul. The track “Lay Me Down” really takes off once the horns kick in, and you realize that despite some of the trappings of recent MM works, Brock still knows how to write one hell of a tune. Take a listen.
