CD of The Week

Sleigh Bells - Bunky Becky Birthday Boy (Mom + Pop)

The sixth album from Brooklyn noise-rockers Sleigh Bells is a welcome return to form, blending a mixture of frenetic, loud guitar riffs with hyperactive electronic beats and rhythms that made their debut album Treats so dynamic. After four albums of experimentation and attempts to develop their sound, at times successfully and at times not, Bunky Becky Birthday Boy celebrates the energetic joy that exudes from singer Alexis Krauss and guitarist Derek E. Miller, proving they still have the drive to keep their feet stomping in the indie rock zeitgeist.

The album opens up and locks in with the pseudo title track “Bunky Pop.” Repeating the album title (swapping girl for boy) and simultaneously inspired by the death of a beloved pet and the birth of Alexis’ son, it’s catharsis through silliness. Laughter is often the best medicine, and this theme rides throughout these 11 tracks. Up next is the strong lead single “Wanna Start A Band?” which will quickly stand out as one of their best tracks; this one inspired by Derek and Alexis’ first meeting when he popped this very question while waiting on her table at a diner. This riff had been noodling around Derek’s head for over 10 years, and as the song has finally come to fruition, it celebrates their beginnings with hopeful sights on their future.

90’s alt-rock influences from the likes of No Doubt and Republica are felt throughout, especially on cuts like “This Summer” and “Real Special Cool Thing,” and they channel 70’s girl groups like The Runaways on rock-heavy track “Badly.” Nods to fellow Brooklyn-ites Matt and Kim are notable as well, mostly in style, not necessarily in substance. Despite the upbeat and raucous feel of Bunky Becky Birthday Boy, tough subject matters are tackled and tossed about. “Can I Scream” is about finding the positives when your soul’s been ripped open; “You can turn and you can grow, You can glow… When you're gutted like a buffalo.”

While you could point out influences from many decades past, Sleigh Bells continue to use their tools to create something fresh and new in their own voice. Vulnerable and silly, soft and tough, Alexis and Derek lean on the strength of their friendship and love of the game to prove they still have the chops, as well as the hooks and beats, to crank up the speakers for years to come.

Sleigh Bells return to Philadelphia on Tuesday, June 3rd at Union Transfer.
Review by Dave Lindquist