In Greek mythology, asphodels are flowers associated with the underworld, mourning, and the afterlife—an evocative symbol for Asphodels, the latest album from The Veils. Recorded live to tape over five days at Roundhead Studios in Aotearoa, New Zealand, the album captures a raw, unfiltered essence that reflects both its thematic depth and the urgency of its creation.
Singer-songwriter Finn Andrews describes the album as a distillation of his musical and lyrical journey: “I think after your 7th album, much like turning 40, you should really just stop counting. I’ve learned a lot along the way, which I suppose is the whole point, and I’ve really distilled it all into these 9 songs. As always, I really just write about love and death—it’s a compulsion—and that is once again the case here.”
Collaborating with string arranger Victoria Kelly, Andrews weaves a rich tapestry of introspection, lyricism, and emotional resonance. The album draws poetic inspiration from luminaries such as Ted Hughes, Louis MacNeice, and Federico García Lorca, imbuing its tracks with literary depth.
The title track, Asphodels, opens with barely perceptible tones, Andrews’ haunting vocals emerging like a spectral presence. The minimal instrumentation underscores the profound sense of longing that permeates the song, creating a stark yet moving listening experience.
O Fortune Teller shifts the tone slightly, starting delicately but with a more defined structure. A low, resonant piano intertwines with melancholic strings, building a tapestry of sorrowful emotions. Andrews’ voice, tinged with an almost desperate urgency, draws listeners into an immersive, inescapable atmosphere.
In The Dream of Life, a jazz-inflected piano introduces subtle gospel influences, blending sorrow with a glimmer of expectancy. Andrews’ vocals tenderly navigate life’s fragility, lending the track a poignant, reflective charm.
Reminiscent of Leonard Cohen, The Sum features half-spoken lyrics layered over lush strings and a gently articulate piano. The arrangement unfolds with understated elegance, deepening the song’s introspective weight. Meanwhile, Melancholy Moon—despite its somber title—introduces a surprising levity, pairing syncopated rhythms with Andrews’ expressive and graceful vocal delivery.
A highlight of the album is A Land Beyond, where gospel undertones meet faint echoes of Bob Dylan-inspired folk. The result is an enchanting musical psalm that radiates tranquility and quiet anticipation, closing the album on a note of spiritual contemplation.
Asphodels is a masterclass in atmosphere and emotional depth, with The Veils plumbing the profound recesses of their hearts and presenting the raw, unvarnished treasures they find there. It’s an album that lingers, its haunting beauty impossible to forget.
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