School of Seven BellS

Despite naming their band after a legendary Colombian training academy for thieves, School of Seven Bells’ vocalists, twins Claudia and Ally Deheza, aren’t exactly experts in the art of larceny. “Once when we were kids, we stole, like, 20 pairs of earrings from a department store,” remembers a remorseful Ally. “Our mom found out and made us return everything! We felt horrible!”

The Dehezas’ musical escapades have been more fruitful. Formerly of ambient rockers On!Air!Library!, they met ex–Secret Machines guitarist Benjamin Curtis while both bands were touring with Interpol in 2004. “We were all looking to try something completely different,” says the soft-spoken Curtis. “And when we met each other, we realized we had this amazing musical chemistry.”

Alpinisms (Ghostly International), the Brooklyn trio’s eerie, graceful debut, reveals the depths of that connection, as Curtis’ guitar traces sparkling lines around the sisters’ warm, weightless vocals and elliptical lyrics. It’s music both fit for, and driven by, dreaming. “A lot of people think dreams are out of control and weird,” says Ally, “but they’re really an accurate mirror of our lives. Once you’re aware of what’s happening, they can be incredibly inspiring.”

On Claudia Deheza: Gucci jacket, H&M dress, D&G shoes, Alkemie necklace and bracelets.

On Benjamin Curtis: Patrik Ervell suit, Ben Sherman shirt, Benjamin Bixby tie, Gordon Rush boots, Ray-Ban glasses.

On Ally Deheza: Jean Paul Gaultier Femme jacket and pants, Guess vest, Gucci shoes, Alkemie necklace. For details, see Where to Buy.

SPIN.COM: IT’S A WEBSITE! / MARCH 2009 57