Name: Sleigh Bells
Locality: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Color: Midnight Metallic Blue: Upon first glance, it’s like, almost black, but without the full gothic connotation; and still quite an edgy color nail polish.
I just so happened to go to the M.I.A. show on Governors Island this summer to find a few new acts enter my radar. Sleigh Bells came on after four hours of standing in the same spot, with people taking up every square inch of the grass below. Lo and behold a fight breaks out, just after Sleigh Bells arrival onto the stage. As if everyone wasn’t crushed enough. Alas, a big burly bodyguard, arriving epically late, sweeps the roust enthusiasts away. Sleigh Bells keep playing, completely un-phased. I have lost my prime spot which was nearest to the front. Everyone is sweating buckets and brushing upon each other’s arms and backs by default. Still waiting for that tall guy standing in front of me to take a five. But wait a sec. This song is hot! And this one, too! I think I’ll be just fine.--GB
The story: Derek Miller met Alexis Krauss at a restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 2008. He worked there. She came in with her mom for some grub. They got the talking, Miller looking for a female to front his then one-man band. Krauss became the perfect fit. It wasn't just the internet who took notice of the heavy-jam session that happens when these two come together. It was the interesting and sound bending M.I.A., that sent them an email, that eventually got them on M.I.A.'s N.E.E.T. imprint. The duo released their first album, Treats in May, not really letting many media outlets listen to it before the drop. If anything, it just prolonged the buzz, which kinetically grows by the second.
Coloring outside the lines because: Miller's memorable plucks on the guitar, rocking the instrument maintaining a quite sedentary position, with few transitory smooth movements; recorded background audio fillers, Krauss commanding her muffled audio box with metallic singing/screaming plus sass; All together creating a bop, clap, and jump-worthy combination. Krauss sings, Miller plays. Image created.
Think: A backwards White Stripes. Something like the stuff your 80’s parents claim they listen to, just to prove they’re just as “rad” as you are (before they call you homie/shawty/dude/broski/insertawkwardcatchphrasehere and put their hands up for a high five and then you leave them hanging), a garage band with a Mac who plays at the punk party in the basement, black room lights, drop tops, sport-game interludes, "Pop Rocks" candy, action movie soundtrack.
