Death Vessel - Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us

Death Vessel
Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us
Sub Pop Records
Grade: A-/A

The first introduction of Death Vessel to your ears will completely shock your system from what you were likely expecting. First off, there’s the name – Death Vessel. With a name like that you are thinking metal, hardcore, or at least some type of macabre music. Yet, you know that DV is on Sub Pop and the Seattle label generally doesn’t trade in heavy music any more. Then you hear the start of the opener “Block My Eye,” and you worry that DV might just be another Sam Beam wannabe. Indeed, DV trade in soft acoustic numbers that conjure up traditional folk, bluegrass, and Americana. But after a listen or two of “Block You Eye” you hear how damn good the lyrics are; who uses ‘genuflecting’ in a song? Ok, you are slowly being sold on the attractiveness of DV. And then a big surprise hits you – the soft young girl voice you’ve been listening to is actually a man named Joel Thibodeau. What? DV has backing vocals from women, but Thibodeau is the one with the light, Antony-voice. I still can’t believe it; there is a disconnect in my mind that can’t be resolved. Ok, be fine with it, because the songs are glorious. And with that in mind, besides from “Block You Eye,” check out “Jitterakadie,” “Bruno’s Torso,” the galloping “Obadiah’s Oblivion,” the surprisingly memorable “Fences Around Field,” and “Circa.” Hug Death Vessel and feel the magic.