There's no one quite like Sleigh Bells as the band return to London

There’s no one quite like Sleigh Bells. And tonight, as the band return to London for the first time in literal years, that’s never been a more refreshing thing. With fourth album ‘Jessica Rabbit’ out real soon, the pair take us on a trip through the past, present and future of the band. Every moment is golden. First up though is Miya Folick who has the sort of voice you fall for before you’ve even entered the room. Haunting and fragile one moment, capable of tearing down buildings the next, she’s yet to settle for a sound but every flex of her musical muscle shows off another reason to pay attention. Unafraid to hold back, she stands at the very edge demanding more. If she carries on down this path, she’ll get it. From the cheerleader bounce of ‘Tell ‘Em’, through the crouch and attack of ‘Bitter Rivals’ until the closing cutthroat rave ‘A/B Machines’, Sleigh Bells instigate chaos. There’s a pit of carnage in front of the stage and off to the side, people dancing and taking it very seriously. There’s space for everything here. The band’s cocktail of heavy groove and end of world urgency is energy led and tonight Sleigh Bells dial it right up. New material, ‘It’s Just Us Now’, ‘Throw Me Down The Stairs’, ‘I Can Only Stare’ sees the band take what is theirs and push it front and centre. More outspoken, more commanding, more smirking, Sleigh Bells have realised what they want and why they do this in their time away from the stage and now, it’s all that matters. ‘Infinity Guitars’ hasn’t lost any of its charm but ‘Rule Number One’, threatening, challenging and majestic sees Sleigh Bells realise there’s no one quite like them, so why be anything less? Photos: <em>Sarah Louise Bennett</em>