Don’t worry about black cats and walking under ladders! Bendigo heavy rock/metal trio Vessel will launch their latest album Vagabond Blues in a big Black Friday show at the Golden Vine on March 13.
The band has come a long way since guitarist and songwriter Jordan Forster first recorded music under the Vessel moniker in 2012.
Forster, who had previously played in various bands around town, says Vessel was an outlet for “songwriting that never really fit the mould of any of those other projects”.
Fast-forward eight years and Vessel is busy establishing itself on the live circuit, with gigs in Bendigo and Melbourne in the past six months in preparation for the album launch.
“The album was largely written in 2016-17 and recorded through 2018,” says Forster. “But looking to find our audience and build a bit of a social media presence, I delayed the release to see if I could garner any label interest.”
That came via the involvement of newly established Swedish boutique vinyl label Majestic Mountain Records.
“By the time our official release date of February 7, 2020, rolled around, we had managed to build some hype online,” says Forster. “And in an amazing four days, we were able to sell out of vinyl through the label. It really shows that putting a bit of a strategy in place with releasing music can be worthwhile.”
Forster describes the album as “a diverse, heavy rock outing, ranging from fast-paced fuzzy classic rock to long, spaced-out heavy jams, and everything in between”. And punters will be pleased to know the band has restocked its vinyl and CD supplies ready for Friday’s show.
Support from Melbourne-based metal outfit 29 Bones and stoner/grunge rockers Peeling Sun. From 8.30pm; entry $5 at the door.
Also happening around Bendigo in the next fortnight:
It’s time to jump aboard the monthly Blues Tram, where local musicians Jo Jo Smith and Carl Pannuzzo – making his rails debut – will bring the soul. Departs Central Deborah Goldmine at 2pm, returning at 4.15pm. Tickets $39 from the Bendigo Visitor Centre or online at www.bendigotourism.com
Castlemaine’s country/folk/rock trio Blue Lucas are launching their single Train Station at Handle Bar on Saturday, March 14. Support from blues rockers Jess Parker and the Troubled Waters. From 8pm.
Melbourne-based five-piece Idle Men bring their blues-inspired R+B to the Golden Vine on Saturday, March 14. From 9pm.
The Rent-A-Row Festival of Winemaking at Heathcote’s Shiraz Republic continues this month, with musical performances from Rhyley McGrath (Saturday, March 14); Midweek Blues (Sunday, March 15), Sherri Parry (Saturday, March 21) and the Erica Hawkey Band (Sunday, March 22). Visit shirazrepublic.com.au/rent-a-row for full details.
NSW folk/western singer-guitarist William Alexander will be performing songs from his EP Garlic Pickin’ Time at the Old Church On The Hill on Saturday, March 21. Support from Melbourne-based singer-guitarist Nathan Power. From 6.30pm.
Written by Lynette Walker
Contact: [email protected]
