Alpinisms - School of Seven Bells
Alpinisms Image
Metascore
70 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

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  • Summary: The debut album for the band led by ex-Secret Machines member Benjamin Curtis.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. Urb
    90
    In Alpinisms, School of Seven Bells have themselves one of the year’s most intoxicating debuts.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    80
    When SSVIIB play to their strengths--most of the time--the songs are so smooth that you lower your expectations for any strong hooks, as you would when listening to ambient, only to discover that you’re caught up in a glorious anthem,making this a kind of secret dance-music you didn’t know you were swaying to.
  3. Dot Music
    60
    In their attempt to induce dreams, though, too much of Alpinisms is a laptop-gazing wash out, neglecting the intensity required for this kind of thing, and "Prince Of Peace" inhabits a disturbing world where Enya might front an electronically-enhanced baggy band.
  4. The Boston Phoenix
    25
    With a clearer eye to the cultures whose stereotypes they’re furthering, the Bells could have made a provocative connection between the European forms they’re comfortable with and any number of traditional Middle Eastern and Indian instruments and forms they’re interested in but not serious about.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. BrendanS.
    10
    My favorite tracks are: Face to Face on High Places, Wired for Light, For Kalaja Mari, White Elephant Coat, and My Cabal. They write amazing lyrics too (see "Iamundernodisguise" and "Face to Face on High Places"). "Face to Face on High Places" is one of the best love songs I've ever heard. All in all, this album is great. Just a stunning debut.… Expand
  2. ScottT
    10
    Great album!!!
  3. seanm.
    9
    An indie psychdelic trip that does'nt leave you cold. Nods to Valentines and Cocteaus all mushed up with hypnotic rythms that make you sway with a smile. A real grower with minimum filler. Impresive and highly recommended.… Expand
  4. hydrawithears
    8
    School of Seven Bellsâ

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