School Of Seven Bells /// “Half Asleep (Alternative Version)” /// Alpinisms Deluxe Edition
A gauzy art-rock band with the world’s coolest acronym, SVIIB manage to feel like a well-kept secret even after I’ve yelled myself hoarse trying to get more folks on the fanwagon. They’re releasing a digital-only “deluxe” edition of their fantastic Alpinisms, which includes the original album and nine or so alternative versions/demos/live performances. The extras may not sound immediately appealing, but with a sound this layered, it’s cool to hear mixes pushed in different directions. ”Iamundernodisguise (Vocal Mix),” a nudie version of Alpinisms’ leadoff track, is the cut getting all the promotion, but far more interesting are parallel takes on “My Cabal,” “White Elephant Coat” and “Half Asleep.” All three take some gloss off the respective final versions, resulting in a druggier, shoegazier detachment that plays well with the melodic peaks and valleys while cozying up around your speakers like moss where slicker production would pass through without leaving a trace.
