Butcher? Check. Instrument technician? Check. Service provider? Check.
The scheduled 2011 release of their next album 'Helioscope' may still be some way off, but Vessels allow a preview of their latest endeavours with the release of the first single from the anticipated follow up to their debut album 'White Fields and Open Devices'. With perhaps the most intriguing title of the year, Vessels introduce 'Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute'.
Guest vocalist Stuart Warwick (who also formally assumed the musical alias of Jacob's Stories) lends support to the alternative rock quintet for this hypnotising single. Warwick's contributions are suitably tender and are particularly effective during the tranquil sections of the song. The layering of his vocals does help to build an impressive wall of sound that suits the musical styling of Vessels very well indeed. Sit back and immerse yourself in this carefully decorated aural world and you will find it very gratifying. The Meaty Lamb remix by techno producer Avus is an interesting reinterpretation, but loses the atmospheric feel that ultimately makes 'Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute' engaging.
The accompanying B-side 'Ornafives' is an inspiring lift and it is understandable to see why the instrumental piece has become a stable inclusion in the band's setlists during recent years, with the gorgeous chordal escalations oozing beauty.
If you are a fan of bands like The Boxer Rebellion but are seeking something a little more experimental and along the lines of Oceansize, then Vessels and their 'Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute' may be well worth checking out.