Post-rock is a fairly risky genre; because there are rarely vocals, the quality depends almost entirely on the counterbalance between instrumental melodies, riffs, and syncopation. If it's inventive enough, post-rock is amazing, but if it's not, it's simply boring. On their second LP, Helioscope, Vessels steers closely to the former.
The UK quintet released their first record, White Fields and Open Devices, in August 2008. While not as complex and varied as 65daysofstatic or as dense and profound as Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Vessels still manages to keep listeners engaged in its affective and prolific allusions of oblivion and sorrow.
"Monoform" opens the album with the apocalyptic vibe the genre is known for; shuffling percussion complements emotional guitar and piano intervals. There is also a light blanket of electronica. Dynamically, Vessels are quite skilled in balancing intense build ups with minimalistic peace, as if the instruments are constantly hyperventilating and then regaining composure.
The echoed, counterpointed vocals on "Recur" add an interesting layer, and "Later Than You Think," with its starry motifs and desperate frenzy, is easily one of the most beautiful moments on Helioscope. "Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute" is ripe with eloquence and fragility thanks to the inclusion of Stuart Warwick's voice and the delicate structures that accompany him. The album concludes with the haunting "All Our Ends" and "Spun Infinite." If Helioscope is akin to overpowering emotions and life-changing consequences, these tracks feel like serene closure after all the madness has stopped.
If post-rock is a constant battle between catastrophic crescendos and calm aftermaths, Vessels succeeds greatly. Helioscope simultaneously represents the horror and beauty of tragedy, and it's hard to focus on anything other than deep, vulnerable introspection as it plays. It's a fairly brilliant record.
Track Listing
1. Monoform
2. The Trap
3. Recur
4. Later Than You Think
5. Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute
6. Art/Choke
7. Heal
8. All Our Ends
9. Spun Infinite
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