(Speak N Spell/Inertia)

How’s the serenity?

School Of Seven Bells came about after Secret Machines’ Benjamin Curtis and On! Air! Library!’s Alejandra and Claudia Deheza met when their respective acts were both supporting Interpol. Their debut album together is an especially lovely blend of electronica, indie and the more luminous sounds that emanated from the early ‘90s shoegazing/dreampop scene. The single Half Asleep magnificently recreates the peacefulness that descends when one is edging towards dream state, the Deheza twins’ vocals recreating the more tranquil moments of My Bloody Valentine’s Isn’t Anything. The music achieves an epic, spiritual quality in the 11-minute Sempiternal/Amaranth, while dreamy electro-pop is the order of the day in the more concise Chain. The trio get the blend just right throughout, with ethereal harmonies complementing pristine synth soundscapes, echoing guitars and electronic beats. SOSB’s ability to make tranquil, atmospheric music without descending into new age wallpaper is often staggering. Those looking for a more contemporary take on the silvery, glistening sounds that came out of the 4AD label in the 1980s could do worse than investigating. (Alpinisms is released Nov 29)

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MATT THROWER

Comments (1)

1. Written by stefano, on 16-12-2008 08:52 , IP: 153.107.103.155

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