Album Review: Vessels- White Fields and Open Devices

If you've never heard of this five-piece British math rock band, you're in for an experience with this album. Minus the Bear or Maps and Atlases would be a good reference point if you were trying to decipher their sound, which is very ambient with riveting transitions between soft (and at points almost silent) extended pitches and smashing chord progressions that at points blow the listener away. None of this would be complete without the intricacy of the music that will only leave you in awe of the musical talent of Vessels.

The band recorded and released their debut album entitled White Fields and Open Devices. The album is definitely a strong first release. The opening track, "Altered Beast" was a good choice for first song on the album. Opening with what can only be described as a tidal wave (of sound) building up momentum and taking shape for a collision course with the shore. Mid-song the wave crashes down as chaotic chord progressions take over the canals of your ears.

The progression of the album is solid; listening to the whole thing beginning to end just feels natural, if that's what you're in the mood for. I don't mean that in a bad way though; listening to this album is like taking a journey of sorts and is best enjoyed when you can just let the music take you in.

All-in-all I'd say a journey through White Fields and Open Devices is one well worth taking with highly qualified tour guide Vessels. This is a terrific first release and an excellent start to the bands catalog. This critic anxiously awaits Vessel's next release and highly recommends that you all keep an eye on this up and comer to the scene.

For more info on the band:
http://www.myspace.com/vesselsband

Just a taste:
A Hundred Times In Every Direction
Yuki