Sleigh Bells at Summit Denver

When Sleigh Bells burst onto the scene in 2010 with the album Treats, it felt like someone lit a Roman candle inside a boom box. The duo, consisting of Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller, crafted a sound that was equal parts pop melody and sonic chaos. Their music is like cotton candy with a side of firecrackers: sweet, loud, and a little dangerous.

I first got to see Sleigh Bells in concert when my friend and local blast of energy N3PTUNE opened for them in 2021, and I vowed never to miss a show again after that.

Sleigh Bells live is a full-body experience. Alexis commands the stage with punk-rock poise, often drenched in glitter and sweat, while Derek thrashes like he’s a metal Guitar Hero trapped inside a dance club. Their shows aren’t just loud – they’re almost overwhelming (in a good way), with strobe lights, walls of sound, and a mosh pit’s worth of energy packed into every track. As you can see from the photos below, Alexis jumped out and crowd surfed herself at the recent Summit Denver show.

Despite the heaviness of their sound, there’s something playful underneath it all. Krauss’s gorgeous vocals float above the din, offering beauty amid the destruction. I always describe their music as headbanging techno pop. Their fans, a mix of indie kids, punks, and rock lovers, all agree: Sleigh Bells put on an incredible live show.

Their latest album, Bunky Becky Birthday Boy, is a favorite for me, especially the lead single “Wanna Start A Band?” It feels like the perfect combination of rock, techno beats, beautiful vocals and lyrics. I often have it on repeat while we… patiently… await… the next Sleigh Bells tour.

Sleigh Bells – Denver Concert Photos

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See our other posts from Summit Music Hall!