After the rather cacophonous Brighton-based trio Colonics had blasted us with their experimental doom-laden walls of noise, Stuart Warwick, previously of the Jacobs Stories moniker, was quite a soothing proposition for all the ringing ears in Jam’s dark, murky basement. It took only a few delicate notes to silence the crowd and bring complete attention to his gorgeous minimalist approach to songwriting. An inventive mix of percussive microphone-tapping and vocal loops swirl quietly in the background as his melancholic ballads soothe, but never overwhelm.

For the Leeds quintet Vessels, tonight is the last date of a two week UK tour in support of their rather great new album ‘Helioscope,’ which, thankfully, is somewhat of a break-away from the frustrating post-rock label which has been so eagerly thrown around the past few years. Intricate drum-patterns and weaving synths draw more comparison to Radiohead than post-rock counterparts Mogwai.

The band clearly have confidence in their latest record, as the set tonight drew heavily from it, even leaving out fan favorites ‘Look at that Cloud’ and ‘Yuki.’ The songs flowed with a powerful vigor. Elaborate rhythms merge into cascading crescendos, which die down into mesmerizing ambience and subtle melodies. The highlight of the night came in the form of the powerful new single ‘Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute’, featuring the haunting vocals of Stuart Warwick, who came on stage to the crowd’s delight and added a new element to an already impressive set.

Vessels have proved tonight that they are not just another drop of water in the vast post-rock ocean, but a forward-thinking collective with an impressive live show to boot.

Jam, Thursday 3rd March 2011
Words and photos by Joel Carr