Decomposed: School Of Seven Bells
High on our list of Things To Accomplish in 2008 was the launch of a new Stereogum video program. So with two weeks to spare, we present Decomposed, a series of stripped-down studio performances from both established and up-and-coming acts in the indie rock world. Kicking things off in this debut episode are School Of Seven Bells, featuring ex-Secret Machine guitarist Ben Curtis and On!Air!Library twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza.
SVIIB's Alpinisms LP quickly emerged as one of 2008's most intriguing debuts. Call it dance pop, sure -- the Deheza twins ply gauzy, silken vocals to electronic beats, swirling synths, and guitars that glide, fade, then soar -- but know that the results are entirely fresh. What begin as simple melodic streams morph into subtly agitated explorations, thanks largely to Curtis's wizard-like, occasionally ominous guitar conjurations. On previously loved cuts "Half Asleep," "Connjur," and "Iamundernodisguise" it makes for a graceful tension. These guys make you feel like you're watching a flight film in IMAX.
So the premise behind our new series, Decomposed -- inviting artists to perform material in a stripped studio environment -- is particularly embodied in this premiere session. On "Caldo," Curtis is removed from his arsenal of effects pedals, accompanying the Dehezas' bilingual meditations with unadorned, ringing acoustic fingerpicking. School Of Seven Bells have a refined approach to processed pop music, but it's clear they need no studio manipulation to be transportive.
Watch the performances now at stereogum.com/decomposed.
Posted at 2:21 PM in Decomposed, Video
Tags: School Of Seven Bells
They are by far my favorite new band of the year.
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I couldn't agree more about how great this band is. It's also nice to see music going in a more imaginative and progressive direction.
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mine tooo!
they are amazing
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ahh! I love this band so much. Alpinisms was probably the best ten dollars I've spent this year.
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