School of Seven Bells & The War On Drugs @ Mercury Lounge, NYC

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words & photos by Kyle Dean Reinford

School of Seven Bells

School of Seven Bells played to a packed Mercury Lounge in NYC last night (Dec 15, 2008). Their set consisted of nine of the eleven tracks off their new album Alpinisms, an album we're all big fans of around here. Overall a great show with great lighting.

"Dreamy, narcotic bangers like "Half Asleep" were shrouded in dense layers of manipulated guitars and pre-programmed drums, while relentless strobe lights forced many to enjoy the show with eyes half open, or entirely shut." [chocolate bobka]

The vocals sounded a bit muffled at times, but it wasn't that bad. The incense was a bit distracting, but it didn't seem to affect anyone as bad as the singer who started coughing and had to put some of it out.

The War on Drugs, one of two openers at the show, were pretty good - - a little more jam band-y live than I thought they would be. More pictures below...

School of Seven Bells

Linfinity...

Linfinity

War on Drugs...

War on Drugs

School of Seven Bells...

School of Seven Bells

School of Seven Bells Setlist:

Iamundernodisguise
Wired for Light
Lalobye
Chain
Connjur
Prince of Peace
White Elephant Coat
Half Asleep
My Cabal
Sempiternal-Amaranth

Tags: Linfinity, Mercury Lounge, School of Seven Bells, The War on Drugs

posted at 8:59 AM on December 16, 2008 in music | pictures | Comments (39)

Comments (39)

"i saw a DEADHEAD t-shirt on a hipster dude, a little voice inside my head said..."

Posted by Anonymous | December 16, 2008 9:14 AM

Ah hell nah!

Posted by Anonymous | December 16, 2008 9:40 AM

that space your face shirt was iLL.

Posted by mcg | December 16, 2008 10:45 AM

awesome shots kyle. big ups for the props.

Posted by will the LD | December 16, 2008 11:26 AM

Karaoke!

Posted by Chris | December 16, 2008 11:28 AM

What a study in contrasts. WoD and SVIIB could not have been any more different as three-pieces, save perhaps one of them being an Easter Brunch jazz trio. Style, Organization, Sound. Preferred the somewhat disheveled sound and presence of WoD over the precise-angelic-electro-power-pop on this night tho. Big ups to Adam & crew—especially Thundersticks!

Posted by Anonymous | December 16, 2008 11:48 AM

Linfinity - Atmospheric, Beautiful, Creepy, Interesting....Great Set. Mesmerizing.

Posted by lalala | December 16, 2008 5:17 PM

The War on Drugs didn't have their extra guitar player, so I think they were pretty great given that they were one man down.

Posted by Anonymous | December 16, 2008 10:06 PM

Awsome show.

Nice pics, hoss.

Posted by Robicheaux | December 16, 2008 11:07 PM

which one is Claudia and which one is Alejandra?

Bangs or Part in the Middle???

Posted by Anonymous | December 17, 2008 12:13 PM

pics are great but cannot understand lalala comments....

Posted by online high school classes | April 22, 2009 4:44 AM

going to see these guys tonight in brisbane australia after seeing them at the mercury lounge when i was in nyc last year! only just read your review and freaky freaky i'm in the photo up top wandering along the street. (insert theme to twilight zone *here*)

ps - thanks to the awesome chick from the framing shop on umm court street in brooklyn for getting me onto your website. went to heaps of gigs when i was visiting thanks to her/and your site.

Posted by loulou | April 24, 2009 2:29 AM

The War on Drugs didn't have their extra guitar player.
funny to read these comments

Posted by online degree in fire science | April 30, 2009 12:41 AM

t'es belle

Posted by Anonymous | May 2, 2009 6:34 PM

really help me to know more about it.

Posted by update driver | August 6, 2009 10:44 PM

nice pictures!!! thanks!

Posted by Lord of the Rings | August 15, 2009 9:30 AM

Cool pic !

Posted by Diploma | August 16, 2009 1:50 PM

nice pictures))) keep posting!!!!!!!!
Astra-design

Posted by astra-design | September 15, 2009 4:02 PM

These are fantastic!

Posted by accounting certificate online | October 12, 2009 4:40 PM

These are incredible!!!

Posted by Accounting Certificate Online | October 12, 2009 4:41 PM

Wow - they look great!!!

Posted by Accounting Certificate Online | October 12, 2009 4:43 PM

This is indeed inspiring to see that a popular rock band like this is devoting its talent for such a big social cause and affinity.

Posted by BookApp | November 4, 2009 4:15 AM

Posted by Online Universities | February 13, 2010 5:43 AM

Depression pink and green glass is an especially popular color for collectors. Although many of the original pieces sell for hundreds of dollars, reproduction depression pink glass is a wonderful way to add vibrancy to any tableware collection.

Posted by depression glass | February 17, 2010 9:46 PM

I love the pictures. It really bring out the moment during the concert. There's ton of emotions that the picture convey.

Posted by Kerja Sambilan | May 3, 2010 9:59 AM

Interesting concept of how a rock band should look like. the picture really rocks.

Posted by Kereta Terpakai | May 3, 2010 10:02 AM

Which one is Alejandra and which one is Claudia? Bangs or Part in the Middle???

Posted by Career Advice | August 13, 2010 10:33 AM

School of Seven Bells will be playing in November. Stay tuned for dates.

Posted by psicooncologia | September 17, 2010 5:27 AM

Here s the school of seven bells concerts for the upcoming days
Neumos Mon, Sep 27 Seattle, WA
Biltmore Cabaret Tue, Sep 28 Vancouver, BC, CANADA
Doug Fir Lounge Wed, Sep 29 Portland, OR

Posted by Woodworking Plans | September 24, 2010 11:50 AM

This is the kind of band I would listen to on my Colleges' radio station back in day. Oh my.....does that bring back memories.

Posted by baños zaragoza | September 28, 2010 11:36 AM

This band rocks! I hope they come to my town soon.

Posted by la muela | December 1, 2010 6:43 AM

I saw this band a couple of years ago before I had ever heard of them.

Posted by canastilla | December 9, 2010 7:03 AM

I listened some of their songs. This is not a very popular rock band but I think they have a huge potential.

Posted by Kevin | January 31, 2011 6:21 AM

I get the feeling this band has Pixies influence. I'm I right?

Posted by casas pirineo | February 7, 2011 6:31 AM

Must have been a wonderful interpretation. I'm sorry I was not present because I love their songs.