Bitter Rivals
by Sleigh Bells
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 33
  3. Negative: 3 out of 33
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. vern
    Oct 8, 2013
    6
    With Bitter Rivals, Sleigh Bells exhibit an affinity for pop music as well as 80's-era R&B. While there are still moments of glee-filled, rock-out ecstasy like before, bright synths and sunny melodies are favored this time around, which will definitely divide fans (old and new). But if you are willing to accept that this is Sleigh Bells in pop territory, you will see that Bitter RivalsWith Bitter Rivals, Sleigh Bells exhibit an affinity for pop music as well as 80's-era R&B. While there are still moments of glee-filled, rock-out ecstasy like before, bright synths and sunny melodies are favored this time around, which will definitely divide fans (old and new). But if you are willing to accept that this is Sleigh Bells in pop territory, you will see that Bitter Rivals proves to be a catchy, energizing, and entertaining 30 minutes of pop rock bliss.… Expand
  2. WadeVS
    Oct 13, 2013
    5
    Dipping slightly into more 80s keyboards and more distinct vocals are the only change here. They were a great novelty band but I'm getting bored with them now. They need to better think out their next move coz this stuff is fading faster than hair-dye.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Magnet
    Nov 27, 2013
    70
    More often than not throughout the careening Bitter Rivals, there's clarity where there was disturbance, melody where there was once dissonance, and more nuanced vocal hooks and ditzy sonic flips than appeared on Sleigh Bells' first two records combined. [No. 104, p.51]
  2. Q Magazine
    Nov 22, 2013
    80
    Breathlessly current in its maxed-out production, but also properly robust, Bitter Rivals should turn Sleigh Bells into serious contenders. [Dec 2013, p.104]
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Oct 16, 2013
    70
    Ultimately, Bitter Rivals offers the comfort of familiarity while being different enough to avoid breeding contempt.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »