School Of Seven Bells : 'Disconnect From Desire'
Released: 12th July 2010
Label: Full Time Hobby
It is hard to know what to make of Disconnect From Desire in the first instance. Sure, it has everything present to make it a summertime album success; whispy female vocals, check. Eighties influenced electro, check. Edgy and experimental instrumentation, check. Yet despite seemingly fitting the bill, it appears there is very little to get that excited about. But then again, things aren’t always what they seem…
Opening with new single “Windstorm”, one can’t help but think you’ve heard this particular track before. Despite very pleasant dual vocals from the sisters Deheza and some particularly inventive usage of electronica, there is undoubtedly something missing. A highly infectious chorus does enough to make it more than likeable, yet there is still that crucial element lacking, a disappointing conclusion to reach.
It is not until you reach the middle of the album when things start to make perfect sense. Despite a somewhat weak introduction, tracks like “I L U” begin to exhibit what the trio is about. With electronic drums and insistent keyboards conjuring an ambient atmosphere it is left to Alejandra and Claudia to take centre stage, which they do so with aplomb. Dreamlike and delicate, their vocals make the difference between an average track and an original, exiting one. Similarly “Camarilla” shows the twins at their vocal best, whilst experimental and captivating instrumentation proves a sound platform for their work. Ever so eighties yet with a modern twist, it is solid and satisfying.
It is this theme of vintage classic with contemporary injection that proves the missing “something” from the early part of the album. “Heart Is Strange” offers danceable classic electro with glorious vocals once again, whilst “Jiovann” is an atmospheric slow burner, perfectly paced and eminently rewarding. By no means a cut and paste copy, this is a modern album oozing with classic influences, both retro and thoroughly contemporary in style.
Despite its disappointing and confused beginnings, Disconnect From Desire makes perfect sense once you understand what School Of Seven Bells are trying to achieve. Rather than a hollow tribute act, the trio combines past and present influences to produce a solid and very listenable album.
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