White Fields and Open Devices

Vessels

Cuckundoo records

2008-08-18

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Leeds five-piece Vessels started life in 2005 and developed their live set over more than 100 shows. Their adventurous nature absorbed the influences of metal, electronica, American indie and folk to become a post rock act that has drawn comparisons with Felt, Cocteau Twins the mighty Sigur Ros. In finally capturing their music onto a recording, they have faithfully recreated the emotion which greets audiences at their gigs.

Given the range of sounds available to Vessels’ blend of drums, laptop, bass, guitar, vocals and electronics, White Fields and Open Devices, opener “Altered Beast” is a journey from math rock to euphoria in ever intensifying stages. It broods away as the drums steadily up the pace, teasing guitars staggering until it erupts into a post rock wall of sound. Second track and first single “A Hundred Times in Every Direction”, brings in two drum kits for a percussive showdown ending in an energetic shout-along: a powerful start to the impressively-produced album which revisits tracks from their past.

Vessels have a consistent sound as Congleton brings their soundscapes together.

Vessels re-recorded “Look at that Cloud!”, the piano-led “Yuki” and “Two Words and a Gesture” for the album with their top producer John Congleton (Explosions in the Sky, Black Mountain) at Minnesota’s Pachyderm Studio where Nirvana’s In Utero and PJ Harvey’s Rid of Me were recorded. It ensures this album has a consistent sound as Congleton brings their soundscapes together, adding a magic touch which emphasises depth on the tracks. Malcolm’s effect-laden delivery and Evan’s dreamy vocals and acoustic guitar on “Walking Through Walls” finds Vessels in a more sombre mood, then they move back to industrial dischords on “Trois Heures” as an uplifting anthem.

Album closer “Wave Those Arms, Airmen” has an electric kick that ripples throughout its balmy and expansive texture to bring to an end a set of songs that disregards genre boundaries, pushing the band’s passion for their work and driving home an emotional ride. If they were afraid of a record not doing them justice after their reputation being built on live performances, they can rest assured this album not only faithfully does so, but suggests the new fans gained from listening to White Fields and Open Devices will be blown away when they go to a gig.