Vessels - New material

A while back I attended the Live at Leeds festival and discovered local experimental-rock band, Vessels. Thanks to Ben from Cuckundoo Records I now have a single and it is seriously impressive. I mean, seriously.

'A Hundred Times In Every Direction' is best described as a journey. There are subtleties here I never realised in the live setting and I can already see the progression the band is making. Bands like Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky have pushed themselves further into the record collections of the average muso and people are no longer scared of those long and intelligent song structures that such bands bring to the table.

Vessels manage to pack a lot into their 6 minutes and 24 seconds but this isn't one of those 'epic' songs that really leaves you waiting too long. It hits the spot, right from the first bar. Beginning with light percussion and subtle noodling the track explodes around the 90 second mark. Hello Deftones fans. I think I've found something. After we're gently eased out of the madness, the real genius begins. Harmonised vocals, a beautiful lead melody and the super technical rhythm section is tight as always. I have to say, the vocals remind me a little of Biffy Clyro circa 'Infinity Land' but this is by no means a bad thing.

Anyway, this is a really promising song from a band that needs attention. Make sure you check them out or see them live in the coming months. Check the label page for gigs and the new album.

Vessels - 'A Hundred Times In Every Direction'

Live at Leeds '08

Live at Leeds is a live music event which spans all of the cities independent venues, showcasing a huge range of Yorkshire's new talent, along with a few special guests.

This year, due to perfect weather, great company and constant supply of a certain chilled beverage I probably didn't get to see as many acts as I should but despite this my first experience of the event was a brilliant one. Here is my rundown of my top 3 of the day, in no particular order;

Vessels are a progressive rock/metal band who use unique time signatures and highly technical guitar playing to create frantic, but often beautiful songs which bridge the gap between a both the indie-rock and metal crowd's. Taking to the stage at around half 2 at Leeds Cockpit, the band found themselves a large audience in the main room and immediately launched into a heavy riff, captivating most of the crowd. Central to their stage presence is gifted, and charismatic bassist Martin Teff but the whole band worked hard to present a decent show. Definitely one for listeners with the time.

For fans of: Tool & Explosions in the Sky

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Mi Mye are a rousing folk band from around Wakefield, England who took to the Cockpit's smaller stage at around half 5. Charming lyrics and driving rhythm's ticked boxes for most of the tightly packed crowd and these local favorites had many of their friends singing a long, bringing a warm communal atmosphere to the gig. This is definitely a fun band to check out, if only for the amazing double bass that has been lovingly restored.

For fans of: Architecture in Helsinki & Twee!

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Flowe were first on at the Faversham and despite playing to only a few "early risers" their brand of "folk n roll" immediately set a standard few matched for the rest of the day. With cheeky smiles, quaffed hair and a firm stance against electro, the boys definitely had the style, but they had the substance too with catchy dual vocals backed up by a tight, but creative rhythm section. One's for the future!

For fans of: The Good Life & Bright Eyes

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