As my brain gently crumbles into plaster dust and sultanas, I wonder about the purpose of music. It’s nice to think of it as art but even the ancient Greeks couldn’t bring themselves to give musicians their own mythological muse and looking at music as mere entertainment seems to be somewhat unjust due the sheer variety that exists. However, that very variety is what makes music most interesting.
I was pondering that very thought as I listened to the album “Helioscope” by Vessels. This is a largely instrumental album driven by insistent and near manic percussion that takes this band’s music in the right direction. In a way, it’s like indie rock stretched to prog rock dimensions – no three minute radio friendliness here – that echoes more arty American bands like Black Heart Procession and Euro electro rockers like Lush Rimbaud and even, as the guitars cascade down upon you, old timers like Goodbye Mr Mackenzie.
Vessels are a very linear band. They don’t divert their songs down side alleys for amusement instead taking the thematic development route. Add, change, delete and repeat until the song reaches a climax with this being best illustrated on “Later Than you Think” and perhaps most impressively on the curiously named “Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute”.
Undoubtedly, Vessels are intelligent musicians but you do get the feeling that they are restraining themselves somewhat here and where there should be madness, there is instead regimented order. Still, it is only their second album so there is plenty of time for them to realise their potential.