CHICAGO – Whenever I tell people my favorite genre of music is “the kind that makes your head hurt just a little,” they look at me like I’ve lost it. I’m talking about the kind of chaotic, noisy brilliance that sounds like a jumble of chords and distortion, music that would leave the average listener dazed and confused. But on June 12th, that exact kind of energy was the main attraction at Metro. Dressed in color-blocked outfits and bursting with funky energy, Sleigh Bells played to a sold-out crowd for their 2025 tour, delivering a set packed with longtime fan favorites and fresh tracks from their latest release, “Bunky Becky Birthday Boy.”
The night kicked off with alternative pop-rap artist Sophie Hunter, who instantly had the crowd buzzing. The Brooklyn-based performer had icon status from the start, spitting original tracks like “Cha Cha” and “Mic Check,” along with a freestyle. I could just tell she was cool from the moment she stepped on the stage, and she set the tone perfectly for what was to come.
Then it was time for the main event, Alexis Krauss and Derek E. Miller of Sleigh Bells. Backed by their band, they stormed the stage with “Badly,” and the crowd lost it. This marked Sleigh Bells first tour since 2022, and you could feel the anticipation explode within the first notes. The group had played Metro before and the crowd gave them the warmest welcome back.
Noise pop ricocheted through the venue, and the audience responded with full-body movement. Heads banging, feet stomping, bodies jumping in unison. “Riot Rhythm” found fans high off the ground, letting the music take over. The crowd knew to give Kraus and Miller all the energy they had.
What stood out most wasn’t just the sound, it was the connection. Sleigh Bells didn’t just perform. They engaged. Krauss and Miller made it a point to reach for fans’ hands between songs, flashing grateful smiles and thanking the front-row diehards pressed against the barricade. Their excitement to be back on stage was contagious, radiating from every scream, every chord, every shared moment with the crowd. Krauss even shared that she had a blast creeping on fans before the show who were camped out on Clark street.
Before launching into the metal pop hit (and one of my personal favorites) “Bunky Pop,” Krauss shared her Chicago show ritual. In past tours, she’d start the day with a walk to Montrose Beach, soaking in the lakefront vibes with her beloved dog, Rizz. But this time was different. After Rizz’s recent passing, Krauss made the solo trip alone, and dedicated the performance of “Bunky Pop” to him.
They then jumped into a throwback melody from their first works, The band threw it back with “Kids,” a gritty anthem from their debut album. Without missing a beat, Krauss and Miller jumped into the pit, surrounded by fans screaming every word. This was followed by explosive performances of “Locust Laced” and “Comeback Kid.” For longtime fans, it was a rush of nostalgia. For newcomers, a thrilling introduction to the band’s early roots.
As the night came to a close, the duo told the crowd to let everything go. To lose themselves in the moment during their most iconic track, “Rill Rill.” The room erupted. Krauss dove into the crowd, leading the whole venue, from the mosh pit to the back of the balcony, to come alive. Hair whipped, arms flailed, and no one held back.
The show made my love for turbulent and chaotic music so validated. Watching Sleigh Bells sprint across the stage, shredding through their set with infectious joy, reminded me exactly why I keep coming back to noise pop. It’s not just about the sound – it’s about the feeling. The way volume, distortion, and aesthetic collide to create something electric. Sleigh Bells didn’t just perform their music on June 12th at Metro. They embodied it.
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