Sleigh Bells - Jessica Rabbit
Sleigh Bells are back with a vengeance, packing an epic punch track after track with Jessica Rabbit. The sound of this album is what I would call more “mainstream” than their previous stuff but I don’t want that to be interpreted as “they’ve sold out” because that is not the case. I simply mean that this album is more maybe slightly more accessible and listener friendly comparatively speaking.
This body of work is delightfully disjointed and chaotic, but at the same time has clearly been methodically sculpted in terms of its progression from beginning to end; which in turn makes it so much fun to listen to.
It’s Just Us Now is the perfect opening track in that it is upbeat, superbly mixed and displays the raw talent of Alexis Krauss and her ballad style introduction. The shrill 80’s guitar solo is full of life and soul, and as the track ends, the tempo and indeed the content switches up, breaks down to the bare minimum and fades to finish.
The track that follows on from this is Crucible, and you just can’t help but tap your feet and bounce along to this catchy little number. Things take a slightly more ‘angsty’ turn for the best with a dark, punk rock-esque track aptly entitled Throw Me Down The Stairs. Like track one, this song takes a similar turn towards the end as the layers peel away and the sound is stripped back to soft vocal and simple, quiet electronic sounds.
As the album continues it ebbs and flows between 90’s euphoria, acoustic guitar, heavy metal, pop and of course electronica. The tracks vary in length and complexity which is great because it really illustrates the talent behind this kind of record; each instrument, vocal harmony, melody and set of lyrics are expertly showcased.
I personally consider this album to be one of those that you listen to over and over and never tire of it! Jessica Rabbit is uplifting, energising and profound, from a band keep you guessing the whole way through; guaranteed entertainment!
10/10
