High Voltage

Band On The Wall is steeped in history and over time has become synonymous with musical revolution and progressive movements. How fitting then, that one of music’s most progressive and forward thinking bands, Vessels, find themselves on such an esteemed stage.

Before the Leeds five-piece emerge though, local shoegazers Advances In Mathematics deploy their sound for the awaiting Band On The Wall audience. This quartet are uber atmospheric and unlike many instrumental prog bands, they are comfortable will a more subtle approach to what is at times, a very big sound. When you’re in the midst of a Advances sound swell, you wonder how you got there. This swell sneaks up on unsuspecting listeners having been hiding behind delicacy for some minutes. The band are masters at constructing tangible narratives through their songs, which are aided by some obscure projected visuals of planes landing, family Christmases, buildings being demolished and old grainy westerns. Advances will not be to everyone’s liking but in an area of the industry, which is plagued by musos and technique geeks, they certainly have the musical arsenal to fend off any criticism.

Upping the intensity somewhat, Vessels are far less easy to ignore than their supporting act and quickly make an impact on eager spectators. Thoughtful, intent and methodical, the band use a plethora of sampled sounds amid crushing guitars and a thunderous rhythm section to devastating effect. Creating an unfathomable amount of layers, all delicately intertwining with one other, Vessels’ songs are vivid explorations of songwriting and technical wizardry. Many of their numbers stray well into seven or eight minutes, but the sound never becomes verbose and remains legible throughout. Vessels, much like Advances are creating music that is not favoured by many radio stations or music listeners throughout the UK. They will no doubt be aware of this, making the fact that they have endured and persevered with a sound they’re passionate about, all the more respectable. Very few people will be able to cast a cynical eye on such a pure band, and at a time when the musical industry is swathed in cynicism, Vessels are something of a musical refuge, free from worldly perils and infinitely enjoyable.

TAGS: Vessels, Advances In Mathematics, Band On The Wall

Words by: Simon S Wright

Vessels - Myspace

Advances In Mathematics - Myspace