Before clicking play, the liability lawyers tell me to tell you to make sure your volume is not set too high.  After hitting play, don’t adjust your levels.  The noise and distortion you’re hearing is intentional, and (truth be told) a little hypnotic.  NPR describes the sound as an aural assault.  I guess that’s why music writers are paid the big bucks to review music; ‘cause this is exactly what it is: an assault.  (Check out Tell ‘em, if you don’t believe me.)

I don’t know why, but I like it.

The noise comes from Sleigh Bells, a Brooklyn* based duo that is getting pretty widespread attention these days due to their unique sound and great reviews.  I’m not traditionally a fan of noise pop, but for some reason, I’m really digging their schtick.

They released their first album in May, and are supposed to have a killer live show.  I’m not sure if ear plugs are handed out at the door or not, though.  If you want, sample the album, Treats, on Groove Shark (which, by the way, is a fantastic website if you know exactly what you want to listen to.  Apologies if it’s not available outside the U.S.) or on youtube.

Just for fun, I should mention an interesting thought I had while listening to the song in the video, Crown on the Ground.  It reminded me of an utterly cheesy Christian band from the 90s called Considering Lily.  Crown on the Ground sounds very similar to their Considering Lily’s big “hit”, Beautiful You.  Add the distortion and noise to the latter and you have almost the same song.  Who knew that a cheesy forgettable Christian band could be relevant 10 years later?** 

Anyway, more about Sleigh Bells (if you care): thanks to wikipedia, I now know that Sleigh Bells is made up of a duo that met while one was serving the other at a restaurant.  Their myspace page has very little, not even tracks, and their website is epileptic seizure (does anyone else smell burnt toast?) inducing.  Thank God that their music is cool (minus the cheesy CCM connection).

* I really should take advantage of living close to Brooklyn, and see more live shows.  Maybe when I get my first check (cheque?) from the management at TNR.

**Please don’t ask why cheesy forgettable Christian bands are so easily accesible in the chasm of my brain.