SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS

Prince of Peace EP

2010-01-19

Benjamin Curtis (Secret Machines) and the sisters Alejandra and Claudia Dehaza (On! Air! Library!) make up the three piece known as the School of Seven Bells. Often drawing comparisons to the Cocteau Twins, consider the ethereal music from this duo more interesting. On the heels of their successful debut Alpinisms, the School now offers us a ten-song E.P. that captures the essence of their debut with a few additions/subtractions that includes alternate versions of many of the originals. The album kicks off with one of the standout's from the original - "Prince of Peace" - a song with a mesh of influences albeit a largely electronic one. Throughout their debut, dreams and sleep take front and center on many of the songs. One of the better ones that emphasizes this theme is the catchy and dreamy "Half-Asleep." Here, Curtis' guitar takes a backseat to keyboards, electronic drums, and of course, the Dehaza sisters. Another highlight is the lush vocals of the duo on the electronically driven and slightly modified "Iamundernodisguise." While probably not garnering a lot of airplay due to its length (over 11 minutes long), the song "Sempiternal" is one you won't want to miss. With a great place to start from, (there's not a bad song on the original!) this E.P. only adds to the accomplishments of Alpinisms and offers their fans maybe just enough to hold them over until 2010's release titled "Disconnect from Desire." ~ Reviewed by Jeff Bouma

Quick Links:

• The School of Seven Bells on Myspace