Sleigh Bells @ The Showbox

Two years ago when I saw the Sleigh Bells for the first time it was at the Portland Roseland Ballroom. I had zero idea who the Sleigh Bells were. No idea what they looked like, how popular they were, and not a clue as to what type of music they played. Showing up early just to photograph the bands, I was front and center for the entire show. Long story short, after an hour in the front row watching the Sleigh Bells I was the biggest fan of the Sleigh Bells in the Portland Roseland Ballroom.

Same went for this Seattle show!

When I heard that the Sleigh Bells were returning to the Pacific Northwest and playing at the Seattle Showbox Market I knew I had to be in attendance. That is where I found myself traveling on Saturday night, to catch the Sleight Bells and opening act Doldrums. Arriving early out of anticipation I walked passed the long line waiting to get into the Showbox. Overhearing conversations as I walked passed the long line, I heard people talk about their past Sleigh Bells concerts they have experienced, some using really hashtags in their conversation (no joke, they really used hashtags), and hopes for what they concert experience would entail. And the Sleigh Bells did not disappoint those hopes.

After the opening act, duo Doldrums, with their original electric remix music, stage production workers began to set up for the Sleigh Bells. Making quick changes to the custom Sleigh Bells lighting configuration, testing music levels, and guitar techs tuning guitarists Derek Miller custom yellow and black Zebra print guitar the show was soon to start. Before no time, the lights went out and a misty opening track began. Members one by one entered the stage. Just as I remembered it from two years ago the Sleigh Bells started with a large bang, opening with Minnie. The crowd went nuts. Never had I felt the floor bounce up and down so much as during the first three songs of the set. Like a trampoline, the floor was now the spring board the for the whole show. Photographing the first three songs I had to constantly got hit in the back of the head (not complaining) by fans reaching their hands up to the stage and screaming their hearts out. Lead singer Alexis Krauss clocked in a faux leopard print silk robe with RIVAL printed on the back, had some great dance moves the whole show too. Derek Miller providing the heavy and noise pop guitar riffs to compliment original drum beat, the Sleigh Bells went through the set like a ‘True Shred Guitar’. Hitting a lot of the old hits and a ton from their new album Bitter Rivals. What seemed like the fastest concert ever, the band started the final song “Infinity Guitars”, ending the night a punchy yet simple song with a great beat followed with chunky guitars cords. Of course this was to be their last song. Leaving the stage to take a short break before returning to played three more song – ‘Young Legends’, ‘Sing Like A Wire’, and their best song ever written.

The final song is where the Sleigh Bells really sealed the night, with A/B Machines. Hearing the words “Got my A Machine on the table, got my B Machines in the drawer” elevated the night to another level. Ending on what IS THEIR BEST SONG everyone left already reminensing about such a great live performance. Leaving the show I walked past sweat fans who had clearly enjoyed the night to the fullest. I heard numerous people say “I am so glad they ended with A/B Machines, ahhhhh, so good!”. I could not agree more!

Set List:

Minnie
Comback Kid
Tiger Kit
Crown on the Ground
Bitter Rivals
True Shred Guitar
Kids
Demons
Born to Lose
You Don’t Get Me Twice
Riot Rhythm
Infinity Guitars

Encore:
Young Legends
Sing Like A Wire
A/B Machines

Doldrums