SVIIB
by School of Seven Bells
  • Record Label: Vagrant
  • Release Date: Feb 26, 2016
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 35
  3. Negative: 2 out of 35
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. proterospongia
    Feb 29, 2016
    6
    SVIIB is without doubt a grief album, but it is executed with so much joy, beauty and sincerity that sometimes the listener forgets about it. The problem is that this work is full of the same indie pop cliches that have put School Of Seven Bells behind their contemporary synthpop acts. As a final album, SVIIB brings its message, although its music is too constrained by common places.SVIIB is without doubt a grief album, but it is executed with so much joy, beauty and sincerity that sometimes the listener forgets about it. The problem is that this work is full of the same indie pop cliches that have put School Of Seven Bells behind their contemporary synthpop acts. As a final album, SVIIB brings its message, although its music is too constrained by common places.

    Best Tracks: Ablaze; On My Heart: This Is Our Time    … Expand
  2. SpaceboyScreams
    Mar 1, 2016
    5
    The reviews had me hopeful that I'd finally see a return to the originality of their debut album Alipinisms, which saw a good chunk of the songs oozing of their own unique charm and character. Every album since has been a repetitious slog of the same sound from beginning to end. Where's the swooning elegance of Iamundernodisguise? The ethereal cheer of Half Asleep? The sweet delicacyThe reviews had me hopeful that I'd finally see a return to the originality of their debut album Alipinisms, which saw a good chunk of the songs oozing of their own unique charm and character. Every album since has been a repetitious slog of the same sound from beginning to end. Where's the swooning elegance of Iamundernodisguise? The ethereal cheer of Half Asleep? The sweet delicacy of For Kalaja Mari?
    For background music this is a pretty atmosphere, but if you're looking for a ride, an anthem, something memorable, this isn't it. This shoe is all glaze and no gaze.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Best Album of 2016
93
#93 Most Discussed Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 1, 2016
    90
    It's simply stunning.
    Read full review
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 29, 2016
    60
    SVIIB is a fitting eulogy for a musician and a band ever connected with both.
    Read full review
  3. musicOMH.com
    Feb 29, 2016
    100
    If this is to be the band’s swansong, they’ve left behind something timeless and quite beautiful.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »