Sleigh Bells @ Grog Shop Tonight

Rock bands and hip-hop artists alike often tout themselves as being beat-driven and hip shake-inducing. But listening to Brooklyn’s Sleigh Bells thrusts your body into a rhythmic shuffle so strong that every measure feels like a kick to the gut. The male-female duo’s debut album, Treats, is more tricky than it is sweet, with distortion cranked up to ear-shattering levels. Songs like “Crown on the Ground” combine the fiery, fuzzed-out blasts of Derek Miller’s guitar with Alexis Krauss’ lax half-spoken, half-sung vocals and intense, lashing beats. Their resemblance to M.I.A. is no surprise – they are getting support from her N.E.E.T. label. “Got my a machines on the table, got my b machines in the drawer,” Krauss repeats throughout the throbbing “A/B Machines,” which recalls the punchy refrain of “World Town,” where M.I.A. raps, “hands up, guns out, represent the world town.” Just two months ago, Sleigh Bells opened for Yeasayer at the Grog Shop; this time, they’re headlining. If they continue touring at this rate, you’ll see them again in September – but just in case, see them now before this buzz band starts selling out much larger venues. Nerve City and Po-Po open at 9 p.m. at the Grog Shop (2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., 216.321.5588). Tickets: $10 advance, $12 day of show.

Could this summer be any better?

I'm pretty sure it couldn't, considering these two albums will be on repeat, blasted from my car stereo all day every day. (Minus, you know, the 9 hours a day I actually have to work. Work is such a hindrance to music, isn't it?)

Sleigh Bells, Treats

Tokyo Police Club, Champ

Trust me, I'll be writing some more things about these albums. They are irresistible!