Thanks to the fine work of The Yellow Stereo, I’ve been listening to School of Seven Bells’ new album Disconnect from Desire all morning. The album is available (to stream) for the price of an e-mail address here, and it’s really a lovely, dreamy sort of electro-pop, in the spirit of bands like M83, that just shines out with large, nuanced textures…
Here’s how the folks at Ghostly International describe the band’s genesis:
Like many bands before them, School of Seven Bells were born as the result of a late-night revelation. Benjamin Curtis connected with sisters Alejandra and Claudia Deheza in 2004 while their bands—Secret Machines and On-Air Library!, respectively—were on tour. While watching PBS at 3am, Alejandra caught a show about the School of Seven Bells: a mythical South American pickpocket academy that may or may not have existed in the ‘80s. The idea of seven minds working as one appealed to her, as did the phrase’s cryptic musicality, and a creative spark ignited.
The music definitely reflects this tension between the real and the imagined, as it draws you from one state of consciousness to another. It’s elegant and expressive, and it requires your attention – which, of course, you’re only happy to give in exchange for the peace it brings.
But don’t take my word for it… here’s the first single from Disconnect from Desire – “Windstorm:”
[audio:https://www.shh-listen.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/01-Windstorm.mp3|titles=01 Windstorm] Download
And here’s “Babelonia” from the same:
[audio:https://www.shh-listen.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/School-of-Seven-Bells-Babelonia.mp3|titles=Babelonia] Download
You can hear more of the band on their myspace page, on Last.fm, or in this NPR article. And as ever, I’ll leave you with a couple of videos… Enjoy!
Here’s “Half Asleep” from Alpinisms:
And here’s a live version of “White Elephant Coat:”