The Veils - …And Out Of The Void Came Love (Album Review)
Wednesday, 08 March 2023
Written by Graeme Marsh
Released as a double album after Finn Andrews hit an unexpected rich vein of form, ‘…And Out of the Void Came Love’ is the Veils’ sixth LP, and first for seven years. During that time, Andrews suffered from writer’s block, a feeling that is captured on the excellent lead single Undertow. Having both parents as writers, Andrews was fully aware of the troubles encountered when the well runs dry—at one point had lost hope that he would ever be able to create again.
Luckily, he turned it around, and then there was no stopping him. It’s been suggested that the album is best listened to in two halves with a break between—with so many albums being released these days, it’s becoming more challenging to be able to set aside enough time to appreciate lengthier offerings, so this represents good advice.
Adopting this approach, though, leaves us with a distinctly stronger first half. Undertow is one of many early highlights, with its almost tribal drum beat underpinning an impressive cut.
We are also treated to the beautifully atmospheric piano-led opener Time, a reflective effort reminiscent of Nick Cave that’s enhanced by sublime strings. Arranged by Victoria Kelly, they are a big asset throughout the album.
Another single is sandwiched between these two tracks and it is possibly the album’s peak. “Is there life out there?” Andrews muses during No Limit Of Stars as strings again shine alongside a simple yet effective piano riff.
The Veils’ previous album ‘Total Depravity’ was an undervalued masterpiece and from that album, Axolotl saw Andrews adopt a manic, cataclysmic preacher-like persona. It’s a trick repeated on both the more raucous Bullfighter Hand of God, written in the aftermath of a debilitating fever, and Epoch, where an exhilarating chorus crackles.
After the self-imposed interlude, things get a little less consistent. Rings of Saturn is a winner that recalls another big influence in Leonard Cohen, while Made From Love again evokes Cave, as does Someday My Love Will Come, albeit with a touch of the National thrown in. Between the Ocean and the Storm is a little dull, though, and it feels like the album is running out of steam by the time I’ve Been Waiting arrives. Closer Cradle Song is a re-recording of a lullaby Andrews’ father used to sing to him. He has now come full circle and sings this to his own daughter—it’s probably more sentimental than vital, though.
‘…And Out of the Void Came Love’ serves as confirmation that Andrews is far from done, despite those writing concerns. His vocals continue to mesmerise but with time being so precious these days, we may find the album’s second half getting much less attention than its seriously impressive opening stanza.
The Veils Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu June 08 2023 - MANCHESTER Deaf Institute
Fri June 09 2023 - LONDON Lafayette
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