Noise pop duo’s new album slays

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By Aymie Telinski

Power duo Sleigh Bells’ new album “Bitter Rivals” is loud and in your face.

The band, which consists of guitarist Derek E. Miller and singer Alexis Krauss, continues to please fans with this junior noise pop album. It was released Oct. 8.

“Bitter Rivals” is my favorite track on the album. The song starts with a girl saying “hi” and someone taking a sword out of a scabbard. There is snapping and dog noises. The sound effects are random, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s Sleigh Bells. I also enjoy when Krauss sings, “You are my bitter rival, but I need you for survival.”

The strange musical decisions are also echoed in “Minnie.” I love how Krauss screams in the track, and the background music is so strange and perfect. This eccentric and strong style is the best part of Sleigh Bells. I love how tough the guitar sounds in this song.

Sleigh Bells does a great job starting each song differently. The tracks have weird noises and sound effects that always draw me in and leave me wanting to hear more.

“Sing Like a Wire” is the worst song on the album. I don’t like the aggressive contrast of volume. It sounds like a bad ’80s power ballad. Krauss’ vocals on this track sound like she’s attacking something, and it hurts my ears. I am constantly lowering and raising the volume when listening to “Sing Like a Wire.”

I like how relaxed “24” is on the album. Most of Sleigh Bells’ songs are strong and assertive, but “24” is more laidback. The song also has a unique synth melody that sounds like someone whistling.

“Bitter Rivals” lived up to its high anticipation. It has everything I love most about Sleigh Bells and it really focuses on Krauss’ vocals and Miller’s awesome guitar skills.