Alpinisms by School of Seven Bells

I’m not really what to make of School Of Seven Bells and their album Alpinisms. I know I like it, but how should I categorize it? Is it “world music” along the lines of Afro Celt Sound System. Its it “pretty music” ala Stars? Something entirely new and different? I just don’t know. What I do know is that it’s been in heavy rotation since I got it a week or so ago and I’m liking it more and more as time goes on.

Alpinisms is funky beats, sweet vocals, interesting arrangements and lots of variety all set up with a backbone of solid musicianship and passion. It’s a great album. It’s all similar in theme, but as with much of the music I’m drawn to, there is an honest kitchen sink feel in here as well. All the tracks are good in their own way. My favorites being “Iamundernodisguise” with it’s frenetic energy, “Half Asleep” for it’s (sigh) sweet and pretty feel and “Connjur” which falls somewhere in between. Ah, but it’s all good.

The Bottom Line

Alpinisms is fun, pretty atmospheric, eclectic, unique and interesting. It’s sort of electronic, sort of indie, sort of world music and sort of everything in between. I’d recommend it to just about anyone as there is bound to be something you’d like in there.

Half Asleep by School of Seven Bells (mp3)