Ghostory
by School of Seven Bells
  • Record Label: Vagrant
  • Release Date: Feb 28, 2012
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Consequence
    Mar 30, 2012
    80
    Maybe if we had more records that shot to the moon this high for beauty and romance, we'd have a more beautiful world.
  2. Prefix Magazine
    Mar 7, 2012
    65
    The album is so cleanly produced that it sounds like they can't afford a flaw. And ironically, it's this seeming aversion to being perceived as imperfect that holds them back.
  3. Pitchfork
    Mar 1, 2012
    69
    Ghostory is at its best a very pleasurable realization of niche.
  5. Paste Magazine
    Feb 28, 2012
    68
    It's an uninspired ending to what is generally a sharp, full-bodied collection of tracks from what is now an equally sharp, full-bodied duo.
  6. Beats Per Minute
    Feb 28, 2012
    74
    With Ghostory, School of Seven Bells recovers with a newfound voice, still evokes everything they once were as dream pop dealers, but it's still extremely visible that they have more room to grow.
  7. Filter
    Feb 27, 2012
    76
    Ghostory's an altogether lush affair with plenty for both fans and newcomers to sift through.
  8. Sputnikmusic
    Feb 27, 2012
    80
    Dream pop, goth, shoegaze--call it what you want, but what School of Seven Bells have ended up with is a genuinely gorgeous record by any standard.
  9. AllMusic
    Feb 27, 2012
    80
    Ghostory is as lushly layered as ever, with spectral textures and propulsive dance rhythms, both programmed and played, equally affecting.
  10. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 27, 2012
    80
    Happily SVllB still sound fantastic.
  11. musicOMH.com
    Feb 24, 2012
    80
    Ghostory, rather than resting on the laurels of the band's successful sound up to this point, adds a harder edge to the rhythm and consciously moves on a step.
  12. The Fly (UK)
    Feb 24, 2012
    80
    Ghostory is as potent and decadent as School Of Seven Bells have ever been.
  13. The Guardian
    Feb 23, 2012
    80
    The remaining twosome (Alejandra and guitarist Benjamin Curtis) have actually become more ambitious.
  14. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 22, 2012
    90
    A most wonderful storm of a record indeed.
  15. DIY Magazine
    Feb 21, 2012
    70
    Fantastically glossy and mystical.
  16. BBC Music
    Feb 21, 2012
    80
    A staggeringly beautiful success.
  17. Magnet
    Mar 20, 2012
    80
    A stellar first attempt at a concept album... [a] ghoulish delight. [No. 85, p.59]
    All this publication's reviews
  18. Alternative Press
    Feb 22, 2012
    80
    The fantastic Ghostory actually sounds more realized than their previous two full-lengths. [Mar 2012, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  19. Q Magazine
    Feb 21, 2012
    80
    Entrancing. [Mar 2012, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. WeAreTheFilter
    Aug 1, 2012
    8
    New York band School Of Seven Bells (or SVIIB as they are sometimes abbreviated) have always been one of those bands on the outer edges of theNew York band School Of Seven Bells (or SVIIB as they are sometimes abbreviated) have always been one of those bands on the outer edges of the blogosphere, bubbling under, patiently waiting for their moment... READ MORE: http://wearethefilter.blogspot.com.au… Full Review »
  2. AlexxTrusc
    Apr 26, 2012
    8
    School Of Seven Bells and their latest album "Ghostory" in the category of shoegaze do not leave for competition room to maneuver. Album is aSchool Of Seven Bells and their latest album "Ghostory" in the category of shoegaze do not leave for competition room to maneuver. Album is a combination of indie rock arrangements with electronic inserts and muffled vocals of Alejandra Dehez - which finally gave such great compositions as "The Night", minimalist "Low Times" or "Scavenger" - where the synth parts leads. The rest of the material does fall behind: energetic "White Wind" or stirring "Reappear" are also notable pieces.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »