Popheaval's Best of 2013: #10-1

Alright, I think it's about time to list the remaining half of my Best of 2013 listing. If you haven't seen the first half (#20-11) yet, you can find it over here. But now, let's get on with it - here's my top ten of 2013!

Review: 'Bitter Rivals' by Sleigh Bells

Yesterday I was feeling like listening to some Sleigh Bells so I logged into Spotify and lo and behold, the new album was already available! I had completely forgotten about it, even though I previously wrote a bit about the forthcoming album and the lead single "Bitter Rivals". Whaddya know.

So, the Brooklyn-based noise pop duo are back with their sophomore record. Musically it combines the bubblegumminess of their debut album Treats and the underlying melancholia of their second LP Reign of Terror. In some sense it can even be regarded as a return to their roots. It's got the trademark Sleigh Bells sound with Derek Miller's loud, bursting guitars and beats combined with Alexis Krauss's saccharine vocals. Bitter Rivals, their third record, might not see the band exploring any radically different musical directions but it does showcase their more playful side that was relatively absent on Reign of Terror.

Listen to the new album of Sleigh Bells in advance

Good news for all you Sleigh Bells fans (and listeners of noisy indie music): even though the album itself won't be released until October 8, you can stream Bitter Rivals via Rolling Stone. That's what I'm currently doing anyway. The album sounds like a return to the Treats era sound although it also retains some of Reign of Terror's edginess. The instantly catchy "Young Legends" is most likely going to be the next single. "You Don't Get Me Twice" sounds a bit like "Rill Rill" meets "Comeback Kid". Another highlight is "To Hell With You" which is pretty much as 'easy listening' as the band gets. It's all sounding very promising judging by the first listen, so do check it out yourself, too!

Sleigh Bells return with 'Bitter Rivals'

That's right, everyone's favourite Brooklyn-based noise pop duo are back with a brand new song "Bitter Rivals" which shares its name with the forthcoming album. The song basically sees Sleigh Bells re-embracing their Treats-era sound as opposed to their previous and more serious-sounding Reign of Terror. The next album will apparently be released on October 8th so just a bit more than a month left. It's rather nice but it doesn't really have the instant catchiness of their previous lead singles, "Tell 'Em" and "Comeback Kid". But it's new material and new material's always great so here it is: