New York noise-pop duo Sleigh Bells shattered expectations with the release of their debut album Treats in June 2010. Combining ear shattering, bass-heavy electronics with heavily distorted guitar riffs and chaotic vocals, Sleigh Bells’s brand of music may not be for every listener, but if given the chance, the album proves to be an absolutely stellar attempt at making a unique sound that embodies partying and dancing at its finest.
 
Kicking off with one of the best intro songs in recent memory, “Tell ’Em” doesn’t even attempt to start the album slowly. Beginning with soaring guitar riffs, intense electronic drumming and siren squealing, the volume is ratcheted up to the max. The vocals, provided by Alexis Krauss, are frenzied, yet they blend in with the music so well. The track is an awesome kick-off for the rest of the album, which does not let up from its onslaught of rave-worthy electro-pop bliss.
 
The duo of Krauss and guitarist/programmer Derek E. Miller work extremely well together. Miller, who is known for his previous with within the hardcore band Poison The Well, is blessed with an ear for noise music. His production skills are top-notch as he is able to create music that works its way into a listener’s brain — combine this with Krauss’ energetic and downright sexy vocals make trying to get any Sleigh Bells song out of your head near impossible. This is not a bad thing, however, as every track on the 11-track album is outstanding.
 
“A/B Machines,” the standout of the record, features distorted vocals by Krauss, repeating the lyric “Got my “A” machines in the table//Got my “B” machines in the drawer” throughout and a catchy guitar rhythm infiltrates the listener’s mind. “Crown On The Ground” hits the listener in the gut with a splash of electro/hardcore that can’t quite be described — it’s a must listen-to song.
 
While only 32 minutes long, the album does its best to throw out as many catchy melodies and memorable riffs as humanly possible, and it definitely succeeds in doing so. The only fault on Treats is that since the band’s sound is so unique, it can easily be concerned a turn-on for some but a complete turn-off for others. Whether it be the obnoxious (read: loud, bombastic) nature of the songs or the ferocious tenacity with which each attacks the listener, the album may not be all that appealing to some. With that being said, Treats is definitely worth a listen to —it may make you want to run out to a random party or rave and dance your ass off, so you have been warned.

*This review was composed by Brian Rentas