Amelia’s Magazine | Vessels Album Review: Helioscope

Junky Styling ACOFI in the shop
ACOFI launch party invite for Friday 28th January 2011
ACOFI launch party invite for Friday 28th January 2011.

Well, this dear readers, medical today is finally the official launch day of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, which you have no doubt seen me banging on about on Facebook and Twitter for months now, especially under the hashtag #ACOFI (it’s an abbreviation, geddit, for which I have illustrator Antonia Parker to thank). The book has been in shops since late December, but the party will bring together almost all of the featured illustrators, many of the featured ethical fashion designers, and some of the best journalistic and blogging talent under one wonderful roof: that of 123 Bethnal Green Road, an eco fashion store that is profiled in the book.

Harriet of Tatty Devine
Harriet of Tatty Devine.

During the afternoon I shall be hosting a Pukka herbal tea party for VIP guests in the new Bunker Cafe. We’re going to have a giant ACOFI inspired centre piece and lots of delightful scones and biscuits to accompany it, all baked by the fabulous Lily Vanilli, baker extraordinaire… better still Lily promises me there won’t be a cupcake in sight.

Annika of Junky Styling
Annika of Junky Styling.

Afternoon guests will be invited to sit for their very own fashion illustration with one of my crack team of illustrators, all of whom who are featured in the book. They will also be able to view my online Skype videos with all the featured illustrators, which just today have gone live on my Amelia’s House youtube channel (go check it), perhaps whilst having a soothing hand massage from lovely ethical skincare brand Dr.Hauschka.

123 ACOFI gifts
Reclaimed leather key rings made using fobs found in the shop that now houses 123. A wee gift for party-goers.

On the second floor of 123 they will be able to take a look through a selection of the featured ethical designers, who are taking part in a two week Eco Pop Up shop which will be instore until the 13th February. Make sure you get down and take a look – there’s a whole host of talent in there, and if you haven’t already visited 123 this would be the perfect opportunity.

Beautiful Soul
A blurry pic of me trying on my Beautiful Soul shrug. I will try to look more elegant in it today…

The utterly brilliant Courtney at Forward PR is looking after my PR for today so it looks like I’m going to be busy with interviews almost all afternoon… look out for more in depth coverage in the coming weeks on lots of other websites and blogs. Come 7pm the party proper begins in the newly converted Scout Hut, kicking off with a live gig from Amelia’s Magazine favourite 6 Day Riot, fronted by the glamourous Tamara Schlesinger. We’ll be drinking lovely Spindrift and carbon neutral East Green beers from my favourite beer company, Adnams, alongside Vodka O, a pure Australian spirit.

Nicola of Beautiful Soul with ACOFI
Nicola of Beautiful Soul with ACOFI.

I’m then planning to cut the big Lily Vanilli cake and hand it out in a gloriously sticky manner, hopefully in a way that isn’t too reminiscent of a five year old’s birthday or a wedding with no groom.

Nina Dolcetti shoes
I’m going to be wearing these fabulous Nina Dolcetti shoes.

From there on in it’s going to be a big old dance party once The Pipettes hit the decks…. followed later in the evening by my TOP SECRET special DJ… who I will now reveal is none other than Will of the Mystery Jets… it’s going to be a good one.

ACOFI in the Tate Modern
ACOFI in the Tate Modern.

And of course there will be lots of copies of ACOFI around to browse through… and possibly the most fantastic goodie bag EVER to accompany all purchases of the book on the night, containing gifts created exclusively for the occasion from Tatty Devine, Moleskine, Dr.Hauschka, 123 Bethnal Green Road and Pukka Teas – all presented in a specially designed #ACOFI bespoke tote bag. It don’t get better than that.

ACOFI moleskine
My special bespoke ACOFI Moleskine, with a holographic imprint of the logo on the front cover.

Dr.Hauschka goodie bags at The First To Know launch party
Dr.Hauschka goodie bags at The First To Know launch party for Lida Hujic’s new book earlier this week: I haven’t unpacked/packed our goodie bags yet.

So that’s the plan. But it will all probably be fabulously disorganised mayhem. Make sure you bring your camera if you’re coming! And I feel I should state apologies at this point that this party is invite only… but there just isn’t enough room (or drink, or cake) to accommodate any more people. It’s principally a party to promote the book, so I’ve invited the illustrators and fashion designers who features in it, and lots of bloggers and journalists.

ACOFI tote bag
All packed in the lovely limited edition ACOFI tote bag, designed to complement the cover by Andrea Peterson.

In the meantime go check out my Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration Skype interviews with the 30 very talented featured illustrators, uploaded NOW on my Amelia’s House youtube channel. And don’t forget to check on the #ACOFI hashtag for updates, or take a look at my very own #ACOFI hash album.

And please go buy the book… cos the future of this website kind of depends on it… For a sneaky 10% off use the discount code ACOFI LAUNCH – vald for one month only until the 28th February 2011 (coincidentally my birthday… just thought I’d drop that in)

Right, I’m off to get my hair blow-dryed by Shine on the Green… I hope they will be able to tame it into something suitably sophisticated. See you on the other side…

ACOFI launch party invite for Friday 28th January 2011
ACOFI launch party invite for Friday 28th January 2011.

Well, advice dear readers, recipe today is finally the official launch day of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, which you have no doubt seen me banging on about on Facebook and Twitter for months now, especially under the hashtag #ACOFI (it’s an abbreviation, geddit, for which I have illustrator Antonia Parker to thank). The book has been in shops since late December, but the party will bring together almost all of the featured illustrators, many of the featured ethical fashion designers, and some of the best journalistic and blogging talent under one wonderful roof: that of 123 Bethnal Green Road, an eco fashion store that is profiled in the book.

Harriet of Tatty Devine
Harriet of Tatty Devine.

During the afternoon I shall be hosting a Pukka herbal tea party for VIP guests in the new Bunker Cafe. We’re going to have a giant ACOFI inspired centre piece and lots of delightful scones and biscuits to accompany it, all baked by the fabulous Lily Vanilli, baker extraordinaire… better still Lily promises me there won’t be a cupcake in sight.

Junky Styling ACOFI in the shop
Annika of Junky Styling
Annika of Junky Styling.

Afternoon guests will be invited to sit for their very own fashion illustration with one of my crack team of illustrators, all of whom who are featured in the book. They will also be able to view my online Skype videos with all the featured illustrators, which just today have gone live on my Amelia’s House youtube channel (go check it), perhaps whilst having a soothing hand massage from lovely ethical skincare brand Dr.Hauschka.

123 ACOFI gifts
Reclaimed leather key rings made using fobs found in the shop that now houses 123. A wee gift for party-goers.

On the second floor of 123 they will be able to take a look through a selection of the featured ethical designers, who are taking part in a two week Eco Pop Up shop which will be instore until the 13th February. Make sure you get down and take a look – there’s a whole host of talent in there, and if you haven’t already visited 123 this would be the perfect opportunity.

Beautiful Soul
A blurry pic of me trying on my Beautiful Soul shrug. I will try to look more elegant in it today…

The utterly brilliant Courtney at Forward PR is looking after my PR for today so it looks like I’m going to be busy with interviews almost all afternoon… look out for more in depth coverage in the coming weeks on lots of other websites and blogs. Come 7pm the party proper begins in the newly converted Scout Hut, kicking off with a live gig from Amelia’s Magazine favourite 6 Day Riot, fronted by the glamourous Tamara Schlesinger. We’ll be drinking lovely Spindrift and carbon neutral East Green beers from my favourite beer company, Adnams, alongside Vodka O, a pure Australian spirit.

Nicola of Beautiful Soul with ACOFI
Nicola of Beautiful Soul with ACOFI.

I’m then planning to cut the big Lily Vanilli cake and hand it out in a gloriously sticky manner, hopefully in a way that isn’t too reminiscent of a five year old’s birthday or a wedding with no groom.

Nina Dolcetti shoes
I’m going to be wearing these fabulous Nina Dolcetti shoes.

From there on in it’s going to be a big old dance party once The Pipettes hit the decks…. followed later in the evening by my TOP SECRET special DJ… who I will now reveal is none other than Will of the Mystery Jets… it’s going to be a good one.

ACOFI in the Tate Modern
ACOFI in the Tate Modern.

And of course there will be lots of copies of ACOFI around to browse through… and possibly the most fantastic goodie bag EVER to accompany all purchases of the book on the night, containing gifts created exclusively for the occasion from Tatty Devine, Moleskine, Dr.Hauschka, 123 Bethnal Green Road and Pukka Teas – all presented in a specially designed #ACOFI bespoke tote bag. It don’t get better than that.

ACOFI moleskine
My special bespoke ACOFI Moleskine, with a holographic imprint of the logo on the front cover.

Dr.Hauschka goodie bags at The First To Know launch party
Dr.Hauschka goodie bags at The First To Know launch party for Lida Hujic’s new book earlier this week: I haven’t unpacked/packed our goodie bags yet.

So that’s the plan. But it will all probably be fabulously disorganised mayhem. Make sure you bring your camera if you’re coming! And I feel I should state apologies at this point that this party is invite only… but there just isn’t enough room (or drink, or cake) to accommodate any more people. It’s principally a party to promote the book, so I’ve invited the illustrators and fashion designers who features in it, and lots of bloggers and journalists.

ACOFI tote bag
All packed in the lovely limited edition ACOFI tote bag, designed to complement the cover by Andrea Peterson.

In the meantime go check out my Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration Skype interviews with the 30 very talented featured illustrators, uploaded NOW on my Amelia’s House youtube channel. And don’t forget to check on the #ACOFI hashtag for updates, or take a look at my very own #ACOFI hash album.

And please go buy the book… cos the future of this website kind of depends on it… For a sneaky 10% off use the discount code ACOFI LAUNCH – vald for one month only until the 28th February 2011 (coincidentally my birthday… just thought I’d drop that in)

Right, I’m off to get my hair blow-dryed by Shine on the Green… I hope they will be able to tame it into something suitably sophisticated. See you on the other side…

ACOFI launch party invite for Friday 28th January 2011
ACOFI launch party invite for Friday 28th January 2011.

Well, illness dear readers, today is finally the official launch day of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, which you have no doubt seen me banging on about on Facebook and Twitter for months now, especially under the hashtag #ACOFI (it’s an abbreviation, geddit, for which I have illustrator Antonia Parker to thank). The book has been in shops since late December, but the party will bring together almost all of the featured illustrators, many of the featured ethical fashion designers, and some of the best journalistic and blogging talent under one wonderful roof: that of 123 Bethnal Green Road, an eco fashion store that is profiled in the book.

Harriet of Tatty Devine
Harriet of Tatty Devine.

During the afternoon I shall be hosting a Pukka herbal tea party for VIP guests in the new Bunker Cafe. We’re going to have a giant ACOFI inspired centre piece and lots of delightful scones and biscuits to accompany it, all baked by the fabulous Lily Vanilli, baker extraordinaire… better still Lily promises me there won’t be a cupcake in sight.

Junky Styling ACOFI in the shop
Annika of Junky Styling
Annika of Junky Styling.

Afternoon guests will be invited to sit for their very own fashion illustration with one of my crack team of illustrators, all of whom who are featured in the book. They will also be able to view my online Skype videos with all the featured illustrators, which just today have gone live on my Amelia’s House youtube channel (go check it), perhaps whilst having a soothing hand massage from lovely ethical skincare brand Dr.Hauschka.

123 ACOFI gifts
Reclaimed leather key rings made using fobs found in the shop that now houses 123. A wee gift for party-goers.

On the second floor of 123 they will be able to take a look through a selection of the featured ethical designers, who are taking part in a two week Eco Pop Up shop which will be instore until the 13th February. Make sure you get down and take a look – there’s a whole host of talent in there, and if you haven’t already visited 123 this would be the perfect opportunity.

Beautiful Soul
A blurry pic of me trying on my Beautiful Soul shrug. I will try to look more elegant in it today…

The utterly brilliant Courtney at Forward PR is looking after my PR for today so it looks like I’m going to be busy with interviews almost all afternoon… look out for more in depth coverage in the coming weeks on lots of other websites and blogs. Come 7pm the party proper begins in the newly converted Scout Hut, kicking off with a live gig from Amelia’s Magazine favourite 6 Day Riot, fronted by the glamourous Tamara Schlesinger. We’ll be drinking lovely Spindrift and carbon neutral East Green beers from my favourite beer company, Adnams, alongside Vodka O, a pure Australian spirit.

Nicola of Beautiful Soul with ACOFI
Nicola of Beautiful Soul with ACOFI.

I’m then planning to cut the big Lily Vanilli cake and hand it out in a gloriously sticky manner, hopefully in a way that isn’t too reminiscent of a five year old’s birthday or a wedding with no groom.

Nina Dolcetti shoes
I’m going to be wearing these fabulous Nina Dolcetti shoes.

From there on in it’s going to be a big old dance party once The Pipettes hit the decks…. followed later in the evening by my TOP SECRET special DJ… who I will now reveal is none other than Will of the Mystery Jets… it’s going to be a good one.

ACOFI in the Tate Modern
ACOFI in the Tate Modern.

And of course there will be lots of copies of ACOFI around to browse through… and possibly the most fantastic goodie bag EVER to accompany all purchases of the book on the night, containing gifts created exclusively for the occasion from Tatty Devine, Moleskine, Dr.Hauschka, 123 Bethnal Green Road and Pukka Teas – all presented in a specially designed #ACOFI bespoke tote bag. It don’t get better than that.

ACOFI moleskine
My special bespoke ACOFI Moleskine, with a holographic imprint of the logo on the front cover.

Dr.Hauschka goodie bags at The First To Know launch party
Dr.Hauschka goodie bags at The First To Know launch party for Lida Hujic’s new book earlier this week: I haven’t unpacked/packed our goodie bags yet.

So that’s the plan. But it will all probably be fabulously disorganised mayhem. Make sure you bring your camera if you’re coming! And I feel I should state apologies at this point that this party is invite only… but there just isn’t enough room (or drink, or cake) to accommodate any more people. It’s principally a party to promote the book, so I’ve invited the illustrators and fashion designers who features in it, and lots of bloggers and journalists.

ACOFI tote bag
All packed in the lovely limited edition ACOFI tote bag, designed to complement the cover by Andrea Peterson.

In the meantime go check out my Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration Skype interviews with the 30 very talented featured illustrators, uploaded NOW on my Amelia’s House youtube channel. And don’t forget to check on the #ACOFI hashtag for updates, or take a look at my very own #ACOFI hash album.

And please go buy the book… cos the future of this website kind of depends on it… For a sneaky 10% off use the discount code ACOFI LAUNCH – vald for one month only until the 28th February 2011 (coincidentally my birthday… just thought I’d drop that in)

Right, I’m off to get my hair blow-dryed by Shine on the Green… I hope they will be able to tame it into something suitably sophisticated. See you on the other side…

Vessels Helioscope

So I’m sitting in my studio in British Columbia, stomach Canada, more about looking out at the mountains & snow-covered trees, approved which are glistening in the winter sunshine. And I’m listening to Vessels second studio album proper, Helioscope. It’s a pretty perfect backdrop to Vessels’ expansive sound and what I predict will be one of my album highlights of 2011. I consider myself a lucky girl right now!

Since they emerged onto the experimental post-rock scene in 2008 with debut album ‘White Fields and Open Devices’, I have developed a firm love affair with the Leeds-based five-piece. Their sound has been described as ‘big’, ‘delicate and heavy’, ‘intricate and vast’, and Helioscope certainly lives up to these claims.

Gemma Milly - Vessels Helioscope

Vessels by Gemma Milly

To some people, the very label ‘post-rock’ conjures up images of seven minute-long angsty harmonics and tremolo, leading to a vast guitar climax, if you can stay awake that long. But Vessels seem well versed in the art of writing songs with very strong composition, which keep you intrigued as to where the melody will take you and hooked right until the last bar. White Fields… certainly has all these ingredients, so where to go from a critically acclaimed and undeniably accomplished first album? Well, they’ve taken their knack for tight, technically astute songwriting, done away with some of the arguably arbritary vocals, and build on this to create a far more polished and confident sound.

Monoform kicks things off at a nice relaxed pace with some intricate drumming from the uber-talented Tim Mitchell, soft vocals in the background masquerading as another instrument rather than a standalone tune. The only thing that is slightly lacking towards the end is a little extra ‘oompf’, which leaves you feeling that the track never quite realised its full potential.

Vessels Band Studio

Vessels in the Studio.

For me, the album highlight is The Trap – I could listen to this on repeat for a month and not get bored. The band have managed to do what so many post-rock outfits have not, combine a really catchy beat and well-rounded melodies with a complex arrangement of instruments, clever time signature changes and a well-written structure.

Other stand out moments come courtesy of the beautiful melodies in ‘Later Than You Think’, Stuart Warwick’s haunting vocals on ‘Meatman. Prostitute. Piano Tuner’ and the juddering ‘Art/Choke’; with its enormous base line & chugging guitar riff set to looped piano tinkelings & atmospherics, this is a fine example of Vessels’ mastery over their instruments. The song ends abruptly and I realised that I’d been holding my breath for the last few bars! In this case, forgetting to breathe is definitely a sign of a flippin’ amazing song.

Stuart Warwick

Stuart Warwick provides guest vocals on ‘Meatman. Prostitute. Piano Tuner‘.

Overall, what sets this album apart from the debut, is a greater attention to contrast and pace. ‘Heal’ provides a satisfying hiatus from the crunching Art/Choke and the breathy vocals of ‘Recur’ are a welcome addition to an album that is predominantly instrumental. Time signature changes are executed effortlessly with precision and skill. And don’t even get me started on the quality of Tim Mitchell’s drumming – a man whose talents constantly and consistently blow me away. Even though this is by no means a concept album, it still has all the essential elements of a good narrative and takes you on a journey. You can really get absorbed in Helioscope – as every 5/8 rhythm is balanced with melodies verging on the, dare I say it, toe tapping! But this contrast is what keeps you enthralled with the album.

Above all, the obvious technical skill and ability of the band really does shine through on this album. What would be my criticism? Maybe that it is verging on the commercial side (I admit I’m clutching at straws here), but for an instrumental-led album, achieving a more accessible slant is quite an achievement. When it comes down to it though, I suggest you listen and make your own mind up and, if you possibly can, catch them on tour in March in the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Categories ,album review, ,Experimental-rock, ,Gemma Milly, ,Helioscope, ,Meatman.Piano Tuner.Prostitute, ,post-rock, ,Stuart Warwick, ,Tim Mitchell, ,vessels

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Amelia’s Magazine | Perfect Storm: An interview with Swedish singer songwriter Vanbot

Vanbot Seven by Jenny Kadis
Vanbot, Seven by Jenny Kadis.

Stockholm based melody maestro Vanbot is set to release the wonderful electro pop album Perfect Storm, a much anticipated follow-up to her 2011 debut. The record has been produced and mixed by Johannes Berglund of The Knife and I Break Horses fame and showcases a darker and more evocative spectrum than previous outings. Vanbot (real name Ester Ideskog) has created an immaculate and moreish pop album that will find her many new fans this year.

Vanbot_print
What was the best bit about growing up in Smaland? And how often do you return?
The best thing about growing up in Småland was the closeness to nature. I grew up on a very idyllic small farm, hung out with the calfs, climbed the trees, got lost in the forest. I wasn’t very proud of it when I was a child, but looking in perspective I feel so lucky to have spent my childhood so near nature. I really miss the quietness of the forest. I have my whole big family in Småland, so I try to return as often as possible.

Vanbot by Simon McLaren
Vanbot by Simon McLaren.

Where did the Vanbot moniker come from?
It started out as a joke, but has become a way to express myself. It started when me and my country side friends moved to Stockholm, we were joking about our Stockholm alter egos and I made up my alter ego Vanessa from Vasastan. Later on when I recorded my first album I used the alter ego Vanessa and let her reflect some of my sides and it was almost like acting. But nowadays I think Ester and Vanessa are much closer, hard to separate. And the bot in Vanbot is from the computer program, it’s a virus that works like an alter ego.

Why did you shelve the album in 2013 and what has changed since then?
We worked on that album for one and a half year, but it never really happened, something was missing. We worked hard, made new mixes, new productions, but slowly it became very obvious that I had to trash it and start all over again. I had a breakdown, it was hard to accept that all work was in vain. But I started writing immediately and I felt more free than ever. I noticed that I could let go of my former restricting frames, it felt like I had nothing to loose and I started to work with new beats, new effects, new synthesizers and especially I found new layers of my voice. I’m pretty stubborn, so letting go of the old and starting over was a big challenge.

Vanbot Perfect Storm by Jenny Kadis
Vanbot, Perfect Storm by Jenny Kadis.

Where did the darker sound of this album come from?
I really love to write melodies, but I think the magic happens when you combine the catchy melodies with some warped synthesizers and evocative beats to create contrast and tension. I love the melodies better when surrounded by a darker veins.

Why is the DIY spirit so important to you?
That was the only chance to move forward! As I mentioned, I’m pretty stubborn, and I won’t take no for an answer, haha. The place I grew up in is well known for it’s DIY spirit with a lot of entrepreneurs, so I guess I have it in me.

Vanbot
I hear you write your melodies whilst out on a bike, how do you make sure that you retain your ideas without setting them down?
It’s pretty embarrassing, but I try to record ideas for the beat, the bass-line and backing vocals also. I would never ever let someone hear those recordings, I would sink through the ground…

How do you find the right lyrics for a melody?
It’s pretty hard for me. But the best lyrics come tightly bundled with the melodies, they almost can’t be separated. I work hard on my lyrics, I tend to sit up many late nights, bending and twisting the words whilst drinking wine.

How do you transmit an honest message with your music?
I think it’s all about transmitting a feeling but without mention the real facts, to make it possible for anyone to relate and feel what I feel. I don’t really think my personal details are that interesting for others, so I color them in metaphors.

How do you set about making videos?
I love to do videos! I wish I had crazy big budgets for videos, but that’s not the fact. Not yet, haha. I often collect ideas for videos from ordinary events in life, it can be elements I see, a movement or an idea of a location, then I work with very talented filmmakers and let ourselves get inspired by the moment in the shooting.

What other electronic artists inspire you?
During my periods of writing and recording in the studio, I don’t really listen to other music than my own. It’s a really tight bubble that is hard to break. But now when the album is finalized I’m starting to discover new music again! Right now I listen a lot to Susanne Sundfør and iamamiwhoami.

Perfect Storm by Vanbot is out on the 15th May on Lisch Recordings & Sony Music Sweden.

Categories ,Electro Pop, ,Ester Ideskog, ,I Break Horses, ,iamamiwhoami, ,Jenny Kadis, ,Johannes Berglund, ,Lisch Recordings, ,Perfect Storm, ,Simon Mclaren, ,Småland, ,Sony Music Sweden, ,stockholm, ,Susanne Sundfør, ,Swedish, ,The Knife, ,Vanbot, ,Vanessa from Vasastan

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