With acoustic, electric and bass guitars, keyboards, a number of amps and two drum kits, you wouldn’t believe you could crowbar on 5 men as well. The Prince Albert was an impressive host to Vessels who took to the stage and created magic.
Opening with a mellow piece of music, tightly played drums and beautiful guitar riffs, the audience knew that something big was coming their way. Breaking into a melodic and highly artistic guitar driven motion, it was here that the bass guitar played by Martin Teff filled the room with a sound that was smooth and full.
During “A Hundred Times in Every Direction” the crowd was able to see band members Tim Mitchell (drums) and Lee J. Malcolm (guitar, vocals & drums) play the drums simultaneously not missing a single beat. It was incredible to see such a tight performance in a tiny venue like The Albert.
Playing songs from their debut album White Fields and Open Devices, it seemed like every song that they played including fan favourite “Yuki” lasted ages, yet you just didn’t want the performance to end. The band showed the venue and its audience that it’s possible to combine ambient and mellow music with powerful guitar driven sections, proving that experimental music truly is beautiful.
There wasn’t a single person in the audience moving to the bands music, although in way was this a negative aspect to the evening; everyone in the venue (myself included) was mesmerized by the passion and drive that the band created with their music. The music was definitely the main body of the band, with the occasional lyric sung here and there. Tom Evans (guitar & vocals) and Peter Wright’s (guitar, vocals, keys & bass) vocals worked very well together, adding a very distant feel to the music.
If you have ever wondered on the definition to the word epic; the answer is Vessels. The show was nothing short of explosive and emotional, captivating the hearts and minds of every person in the venue.
Words by Nicholas Coren
www.myspace.com/vesselsband
What Did You Think Of The Gig?
Chlöe Morgan, 22, Waitress, Brighton.
Rating: 10/10
“It’s the type of music that touches you intimately without actually touching you.”
Rachel Davis, 22, Waitress/Musician, Brighton.
Rating: 8/10
“I thought it was a thumping voyage of aggressive yet sensual post-rock treats.”
Alex Lovell, 21, Student, Brighton
Rating: 8/10
“I thought all three bands were really good. It was cool how they chopped and changed instruments. Fiercely musical.”
Frankie Kent, 21, Student, Eastbourne
Rating: 8/10
“I thought the sound was explosive. The way they played their instruments was inspired.”
