School Of Seven Bells: Alpinisms

Take one ex member of Secret Machines, add two sisters, both with wonderfully haunting vocals and mix for one hour. Wait until set and leave to harden.

The finished product should be a respectably solid album from a very endearing band.

What’s immediate with this debut is how serious the band are about their sound.

First track “Iamundernodisguise” starts with a demanding percussion and is followed by the lingering vocals of sisters Alejandra and Claudia Deheza;

“I am neither breather nor speaker,
 I am neither walker nor sleeper,
 I am neither sister, brother, son nor daughter,
 Solely in my chest is my heart a drum of water,
 I am under no disguise.”

It goes without saying how effective and immediate the introduction of the album is.

As things progress, so to does their sound. “Half Asleep” is organic, airy and liquid all at once, ending on a fluffy, meandering cloud and the deeper you dig, the more hidden treasures there are to be found. Dotted throughout the record are also elements of Eastern music influence.

“Wired For Light” hints at it with a snake flute-esque squeal that carries the chorus’s rhythm and later, "Prince Of Peace" floats in, holding an airy Bhangra-like chant throughout.

Admittedly, there are times when it’s the vocals and vocals only that gives the music its footing. It’s usually what keeps it away from the realms of familiarity. However airy and dominant the sisters’ voices can be, they can’t fully divert from the fact that there’s not that much in terms of originality. Some songs feel the same as the last and it’s noticeable with every listen.

On the contrary, there are also times when the full genius of this band blasts out and mesmerises with it's dark, atmospheric brilliance. “White Elephant Coat” is a prime example and is another highlight for its hypnotic, organic glow.

All in all, School Of Seven Bells (brilliantly named after the legend of an academy for pickpockets) jump into the fray of electronica impressively and although this debut might not hold up so well as their peers, it's certainly a giant step in the right direction and certifies them as a big one to watch in 2009.