PHOTOS: BRIGID GALLAGHER | Climbing the stairs to Chicago’s Metro last Tuesday, you could feel the party had already started. Tunde Olaniran brought the perfect energy to kick off a Sleigh Bells’ show. He owned the room as he made it impossible for anyone to sit still during his high energy set.
All were made to feel welcome with signs on the stage promoting a safe space, “No Ableism. No Shaming. No Fatphobia. No Femmephobia. No Transphobia. No Racism. No Sexism.” Olaniran taught the audience new moves with two unstoppable dancers supporting him on either side. The dancers mashed ballerina techniques with hip hop and assisted Olaniran with clapping hands, becoming a vital part of the performance. Hear Tunde Olaniran’s beautiful voice and positive message on his most recent album, Transgressor, currently available on vinyl.
The audience eagerly awaited Sleigh Bells to take the stage and let them know, with great affection, when they finally arrived. The set started with strobe lights and bass that shook the venue like a storm was on the way. Vocalist Alexis Krauss and guitarist Derek Edward Miller were in constant motion once they took the stage; hands up, spinning, jumping, thrashing, hair blowing from a fan. The audience kept the pace as the bass filled every inch of the venue, the vibration forcing everyone to dance and keep their arms extended towards the stage. Krauss couldn’t keep herself away from the crowd either as she leaned over the front of the stage to hold hands, encourage singalongs, and occasionally crowd surfed her way back to the spotlight.
During their new single, “I Can Only Stare,” the lights shimmered on the ceiling like a pool of water as Krauss put her heart into each lyric. Throughout their performance, Sleigh Bells went back and forth between thrilling the crowd with their hits and inciting them with their new songs. Krauss ended the night telling the audience, “Nobody does it like Chicago, and I’m not fucking with you!”
Sleigh Bell’s latest release, Jessica Rabbit is available as a limited edition LP on blood-red vinyl.
TUNDE OLANIRAN
SLEIGH BELLS SETLIST
Unlimited Dark Paths
Tell’ Em
It’s Just Us Now
Bitter Rivals
Riot Rhythm
Kids
I Can Only Stare
Minnie
Born to Lose
Comeback Kid
Infinity Guitars
Demons
Crown on the Ground
ENCORE
Loyal For
Rule Number One
A/B Machines
