This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
School of Seven Bells at the Troubadour: Just This Side of Bliss

Photo courtesy of School of Seven Bells
Post by Jack Skelley/Special to LAist
Brooklyn’s School of Seven Bells returned to L.A. last night with their tribaldelic dream-pop. If you haven’t been initiated into this cultish trio, School of Seven Bells is guitarist Ben Curtis (formerly of Secret Machines) and identical twin vocalists Claudia and Alejandra Dehaza (formerly of artsy vocal group On! Air! Library!). The sisters intertwine harmonies in styles tough to pigeonhole, except to say they are exactingly crafted (with hints of everything from The Roches to the Bulgarian Women’s Choir). Curtis jabs heavily processed chords and splashes bright colors. And everything rests on electronic beats that feel one step ahead of trends.
The breakout number from debut album Alpinisms is “Half Asleep.” Sublime, emotional, atmospheric, it brings to mind Brit-pop shoegazers such as Cocteau Twins (whose guitarist Robin Guthrie has remixed one of School of Seven Bells’ tunes). Other numbers feel more “ethnic” or “trance.”
Last night the bliss factor was limited by the group’s line-up: It’s just the three of them; no drummer or bass player. Curtis yearns to churn out great washes of guitar noise, but much of the time he’s hunched over his Mac, babysitting the beats. Flanking him are the twins - one on keyboards, the other on second guitar - who recreate their harmonies beautifully. The girls are radiant, and each song is a gem. But because the entire structure is confined by the pre-recorded tracks, the groove is less than spontaneous. All this band needs is a good rhythm section. (Don’t they all?)
-
But Yeoh is the first to publicly identify as Asian. We take a look at Oberon's complicated path in Hollywood.
-
His latest solo exhibition is titled “Flutterluster,” showing at Los Angeles gallery Matter Studio. It features large works that incorporate what Huss describes as a “fluttering line” that he’s been playing with ever since he was a child — going on 50 years.
-
It's set to open by mid-to-late February.
-
The new Orange County Museum of Art opens its doors to the public on Oct. 8.
-
Cosplayers will be holding court once again and taking photos with onlookers at the con.
-
Littlefeather recalls an “incensed” John Wayne having to be restrained from assaulting her and being threatened with arrest if she read the long speech Brando sent with her.