Growing up in small town Minnesota, music was usually whatever you could find on the internet.  My best friend was infatuated with The Secret Machines, an alt/space rock trio from Texas, who just couldn’t seem to break big.  We’d seen them play an amazing set at Lollapalooza ’06 and were convinced that they’d soon be getting some much deserved recognition.  But by March ’07, the group had temporarily disbanded, and one of the founding members left to start School of Seven Bells.  I was initially weary of this electronic/dream pop experiment, but after one thorough listen of Alpinisms, I understood why he’d made the jump.  Many others seem to have been understanding as well, with Vagrant Records reissuing their debut album on October 13th, filled with nine extra tracks (many many remixes, live cuts, and demos).  You’ve got to check out this reissue.  Too many good tracks.
School of Seven Bells – Connjur
School of Seven Bells – Iamundernodisguise
School of Seven Bells – Iamundernodisguise (Alternate Version)