Vessels HELIOSCOPE. Cuckundoo Records

Formed in 2005, Leeds based Vessels are Peter Wright (guitar, vocals, keys and bass), Tim Mitchell (drums and beats), Martin Teff (guitar and bass), Lee J. Malcolm (guitar, vocals, drums and electronics) and Tom Evans (guitar, vocals and synths). Opening this, the band’s second album, are two highly rhythmic rock instrumentals, ‘Monoform’ and ‘The Trap’, with drums the major feature along with tangible melodies and some tantalising softer moments.

‘Recur’ is the third track and the first to feature a vocal performance. It’s a fast-paced song with strong solo and backing vocals over a song that’s part jazz, part rock. 2011, for me, has been a very adventurous and diverse musical year and so it is with this album, and especially so with the next song ‘Later Than You Think’. Once again drums play an important improvisational role in yet another powerful instrumental, with keyboards and electronics beginning to make their mark.

Vocals return on ‘Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute’ with a haunting guest performance by Stuart Warwick. Vessel’s music is very descriptive and atmospheric with the next songs ‘Art/Choke’ and ‘Heal’ supreme examples - they make compelling listening. Penultimate track ‘All Our Ends’ includes another vocal performance with the most delightful harmonies adding depth to a song that mixes ligyt and dark superbly well.

4/5

The Chapman Family BURN YOUR TOWN. Electric Toaster

Formed in 2005 around the talents of Kingsley, Paul, Pop, and Phil Chapman, the Chapman Family play a unique blend of folk-inspired hardcore punk, new wave, and indie rock that grew out of the band’s home in northeast England. If ever there was such a thing as a ’showcase record’ this is it. A couple of years ago the band appeared at a local venue as part of NME’s annual best new band tour, and impressed us. This record reminds me of that
performance which was brooding, dark, passionate, emotional. The music press was generally enthusiastic but the debut album took a while to appear. I can understand why.

BURN YOUR TOWN is what this band is all about, sonically and emotionally. Right from the start of the album with songs like ‘A Certain Degree’, ‘All Fall’ and ‘Anxiety’ one is struck by the band’s social and political raison d’etre and inate ability to communicate this via their music. There’s a rawness to the recordings which I find compelling and beautifully judged. Lyrically, there’s no fancy footwork here - they’re simple and direct - while strong melodies drive songs along and open the door for the listener. 

BURN YOUR TOWN is a brave record in that it doesn’t provide Radio 1-friendly songs to ‘ease the path’, rather it is serious, dark and intense and will appeal to those who are more serious about their music. The album has a conceptual feel and is set to feature strongly in our albums of the year list.

4.5/5

Teddy Thompson BELLA. Decca

Teddy Thompson (born 19 February 1976) is a British folk and rock musician. He is the son of folk-rock musicians Richard and Linda Thompson and brother of singer Kamila Thompson. He released his first album in 2000. Thompson is joined by David Kahne (guitar, keyboards and production dutie), Daniel Mintseris (keyboards) Jeff Hill (bass) and Ethan Eubanks (drums).

Thompson’s fifth studio album BELLA is dominated by USA market-friendly rootsy sounds and is arguably Thompson’s most commercial to-date. From the outset, with highly melodic folk-pop like ‘Looking For A Girl’ and ‘Delilah’, Thompson impresses although if you didn’t know him you’d think it was an American artist… Songs are a diverse mix of dark and light with the aforementioned being nicely balanced with more contemplative tunes like ‘Over And Over’ and ‘Take Me Back Again’. In addition to his excellent band there are some delightful orchestral moments exemplified by those on the excellent ‘Tell Me What You Want’.

There’s much to admire here because every song hits the mark with good lyrics, wonderful performances, personal/introspective ambience and truckloads of melody The album is beautfully produced by David Kahne, whose previous collaborations include Paul McCartney, Regina Spector and The Strokes. Strongly recommended.

4/5