Vessels - "Helioscope"

Artist: Vessels
Album: Helioscope
Release Date: March 14, 2011
Label: Cuckundoo Records
Review by: Sean Kayden

A helioscope is “a telescope for viewing the sun, adapted to protect the eye of the viewer from the sun's glare.” The Leeds five-piece band, Vessels have developed their own auricular version. Their latest record, Helioscope, feels like you’re staring directly into the sun because the intensity keeps on escalating to unparalleled heights. A harrowing, beautifully intrepid, and enormously intoxicating album has been graced upon us in the form of Vessels’ sophomore compilation.

Kicking things off is “Monoform”, a multi-layered, wall-to-wall sounding juggernaut of a track. Monumental in every way, this song is enthralling from beginning to end. Next up is the “The Trap”, not nearly as tumultuous and aggressive as the first track, but melodic and structured in a well-balanced fashion. It isn’t until the last minute of the song where it dips slightly into stentorian territory. Much of the album comes in the shape of aggrandizing instrumental crescendos. There are many aspects to Vessels' latest oeuvre that share similarities to other post-rock experimental bands such as Explosions in the Sky and Mogwai. However, these Brits are no imitators and have produced such an idyllic, evocative residence that’s very uniquely their own style. Only a few tracks demonstrate lead singer Stuart Warwick’s tranquil vocals. The real highlight is from “Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute”, which the vocals exceptionally bear a resemblance to Thom Yorke from Radiohead. This standout gem has the capacity of transcending your mind, body, heart, and soul to supreme bliss. Vessels clearly defines a loud and significant statement with their latest release. Let’s be honest here, they don’t make songs like this anymore.

Sorrowful and serene, yet energetic and piercing in moments, Helioscope is one unpredictable voyage you’ll want to take multiple times. So much is to be discovered with repeated listens that one will find themselves floating through a cloud nine, atmospheric, awe-inspiring wonderland. Your emotions will undoubtedly be running rapid and wild. Helioscope is a massively intense and stimulating piece of work that’s stunningly original and arousing. Strap on your seatbelt, take a deep breath, and be ready to embrace the most unexpected ride of your newly suggested music discovery.

Key Tracks: “The Trap”, “Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute”, “All Our Ends”
Grade: 8.5 out of 10

Published on March 26, 2011 by Mountain Views News.
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n13/p09.htm

Vessels - The Trap live at Abbey Lodge from Vessels Band on Vimeo.