Seraphina Lotkhamnga on January 17th, 2012

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Brooklyn duo Sleigh Bells are back at slamming R&B, pop, punk and electronica in to one another as they prepare for the release of “Reign of Terror” (out Feb. 21 via Mom + Pop), and we’re glad to hear the follow-up to 2010’s “Treats” does not abandon high decibels. If the album title doesn’t give you an idea of how determined Derek Miller and Alexis Kruass are at avoiding a sophomore slump, their first official single ‘Comeback Kid” will put your eardrums in place. Although “Born to Lose” was the first listen off new record, “Comeback Kid” not only serves as anthemic foil to the former but also showcases just how adept Miller and Krauss are at warping R&B and pop melodies and transforming grungy guitar chords into dance music. Their signature pummeling beats and riot-inducing lyrics – which made tunes like “Infinity Guitars” so undeniably fresh even when distorted guitars seem to be everybody’s trademark these days –  lay a strong foundation again. Sleigh Bells are still down to party, but they’ve learned how to sound slick while they do it this time around.

||| Stream: “Comeback Kid” and “Born To Lose.”

||| Live: Sleigh Bells play Feb. 21 the Mayan Theatre.