What makes Alpinisms by School of Seven Bells notable?

Alpinisms received critical acclaim upon its release, with notable praise from outlets like Pitchfork and Spin. It helped solidify School of Seven Bells as a key player in the burgeoning dream pop and shoegaze movements of the late 2000s, influencing subsequent artists in the genre. Released on October 28, 2008, Alpinisms marked School of Seven Bells' debut album, establishing their presence in the indie rock scene. The duo, comprised of Alejandra Deheza and Claudia Deheza, had previously been part of the band On!Air!Library!, and this album showcased their transition into a more refined sound characterized by lush instrumentation and intricate vocal arrangements.

How many songs are on Alpinisms?

Alpinisms has 13 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

Released 18 years ago today

Alpinisms

School of Seven Bells · 2008

60 min · 13 tracks · indie rock

Ethereal harmonies entwine with layered synths and driving rhythms, creating a dreamlike atmosphere throughout the album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Iamundernodisguise — This opening track sets the tone for the entire album with its haunting melodies and ethereal production, encapsulating the band's signature sound.
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Wired for Light — The upbeat tempo combined with shimmering guitars and layered vocals creates an infectious energy that showcases the band's ability to blend dreamy soundscapes with pop sensibilities.
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Sempiternal/Amaranth — This lengthy track merges various sonic textures into a compelling journey, highlighting the duo’s experimental side while maintaining emotional depth through their harmonies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends ethereal vocals with layered instrumentation, creating a distinct dreamlike quality throughout.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace with layered vocal harmonies and synth textures, while the fourth track introduces a more driving rhythm.
Several tracks feature a build-up of sound layers that culminate in expansive choruses, creating a sense of elevation and release.
The album closes with two tracks that gradually reduce the tempo and intensity, allowing for a reflective finish.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Iamundernodisguise 3:47
2 Face to Face on High Places 4:40
3 Half Asleep 4:20
4 Wired for Light 4:57
5 For Kalaja Mari 4:17
6 White Elephant Coat 4:17
7 Connjur 4:40
8 Sempiternal/Amaranth 11:26
9 Chain 4:22
10 Prince of Peace 3:05
11 My Cabal 5:11
12 Trance Figure 3:29
13 If I Had Glass Hands and Glass Feet 2:16

What to play next

Listen next

Disconnect from Desire

2010

Go back to

Face to Face on High Places

2007

Full School of Seven Bells discography Artists like School of Seven Bells

indie rock

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