School of Seven Bells / flower
Arriving with their latest record in tow, School of Seven Bells (SVIIB) entered the Independent with a much grace as you’d expect. I wasn’t sure what kind of draw SVIIB would have especially since I haven’t seen them on tour for quite some time now. It was easy to classify them as a hype band until their unexpectedly impressive new album, Disconnect from Desire.
Foster the People
Opening this triple bill was LA’s own dance rockers Foster the People, who put on an energetic set from what I caught. Their songs might get a little poppy at times, but it was their latest single, Pumped Up Kicks, that received the most attention. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing more from these guys.
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[mp3] Foster The People – Pumped Up Kicks from Pumped Up Kicks / Single (2010)
Active Child
Active Child
Active Child
Afterward was an impressive set by Active Child (Pat Grossi), an L.A.-based songwriter known for intricate layering and gentility styled electronic music. Opening with a few stirring songs on his harp, Active Child moved from guitar to keyboards intermediately throughout his performance while his bass player layed foundation to his genius. The crowd was very intrigued by what was happening on stage, mainly due to the multi-instrumentalist style from this seemingly synth-pop artist with the epic builds of an 80s electronic soundscape. It’s no wonder SVIIB decided to not only bring him on tour, but release a split remix EP with him. I highly suggest you seek his music out the best you can.
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[mp3] Active Child – I’m In Your Church At Night (School Of Seven Bells Remix) from School of Seven Bells/Active Child Split 7″ (2010)
School of Seven Bells
School of Seven Bells
Given that they are on tour to promote their new album, it should come as little surprise SVIIB’s set was completely dominated by Disconnect From Desire material. Their debut album, Alpinisms, wasn’t particularly left in the gutter with tracks like Half Asleep and Connjur making their appearance that night. They sounded polished and very tight principally due to the live drums that surprised a few people in the audience. SVIIB aren’t known for their live drums on record, so when they brought on that element, the music sounded heavier, fuller, and livelier than I expected.
School of Seven Bells
School of Seven Bells
The Dehaza twins and guitarist Benjamin Curti were clearly enjoying themselves on stage and ended up not being as robotic as I thought. Both sisters sounded angelic and cerebral without a break throughout their eloquent one hour set. The crowd was also larger than I expected. Not knowing their appeal especially after being away for so long, the band may be increasing their buzz a bit more than I previously thought.
School of Seven Bells
If you’re going to see the band to listen to older material, don’t expect much. But I highly suggest you go anyways. The new songs sound enormous and strong live and the older songs are bursting with the wise addition of a live drummer. You might want to keep your schedule open for the next time they come to town.
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[mp3] School of Seven Bells – Heart is Strange (Active Child Remix) from School of Seven Bells/Active Child Split 7″ (2010)
School of Seven Bells