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School of Seven Bells (often abbreviated as SVIIB) was a dream pop/shoegaze/electronic band formed in 2007 in Brooklyn, New York, United States. The initial lineup consisted of Benjamin Curtis (guitar, synthesizers, vocals, production), Alejandra Deheza (vocals, guitar), and her identical twin sister Claudia Deheza (vocals, keyboards).
In October 2010, Claudia Deheza left SVIIB for personal reasons and the band continued as a duo. In 29 December 2013, Curtis (aged 35) died of cancer. Read more on Last.fm
This is one of the best records of 2012. School of Seven Bells blend so many elements of my favorite music: effects, experimentation, melody and rhythm.
Alley Deheza channels one of my all-time favorite singers, Liz Fraser from Cocteau Twins. Deheza’s melody lines are long and gymnastic like. Her vocal harmonies are like a character on this record. The harmonies have a life of their own and without them the record would not be what it is.
Ben Curtis is the man creating the sonic landscapes and driving beats. This record ventures into dub step, straight up dance 4 on the floor and ambient.
I saw SviiB live and they completely pull off the depth of this record. Live the songs have more muscle and energy.
Pitchfork, in their review, didn’t like the surgeon-like precision of the record but that’s what I love about it. It’s pristine and polished.