Overlooked alternative rock band, The Veils, return after a four-year hiatus with
their highly anticipated fourth studio album, Time Stays, We Go. The group has undergone an extensive
metamorphosis over line-up changes, with members quitting and being replaced
quite constantly. Since the inception of the band, Finn Andrews has continued to
be the key element driving fans to support them throughout the long breaks in
between albums needed for touring. His peculiar lyricism and often demanding
stage presence are the cement the group has needed throughout all the changes.
Compared
to previous albums, Time Stays, We Go isn’t
drastically different while remaining pleasantly euphonious and of similar production
value. As an album, the collection of songs The Veils have compiled flow
smoothly in between each other and offer a wide assortment of dynamics ranging
from subtle to aggressive. The standout factor in each song is the visceral
quality Finn Andrews voice naturally encompasses. His vocals on each track
attribute to an inauspicious feeling that is pleasing and at times are slightly
reminiscent of David Bowie or Nick Cave.
There is
a frightful, torrid rocking on the album opener “Through the Deep, Dark Wood,” which has an infectious tone to compensate for the somber lyrics. This song is
the highlight of the album as it crafts a vivid journey throughout the lyrics
and integrates a furious beat making it well suited for radio play. “Dancing
With the Tornado” joyfully plays with the title of the song by displaying the
tornado’s swirling destructiveness with the lyrics directed at a girl messing
around. “The Pearl” notably has its string instruments gently plucking a
constant pace for the duration of the song making for one of the albums most
simplistic yet catchy tunes. “Another Night on Earth” can best be summed up as
a vacillating waltz that balances the album out nicely.
The album
has the misfortune of welcoming tracks such as “Candy Apple Red” and “Turn from
the Rain,” which sound like a pair of flat, worn-out copies of previous Veils
songs. All being considered, The Veils brought their signature sound to most
songs on Time Stays, We Go, but they
have been absent for four years. After the concurrent emotionally disturbed
nature of the previous albums, they didn’t surpass any expectations with their
latest batch of songs.
Grade: B
I do not agree at all with Buffablog's opinion on Candy Apple Red. This song is a masterpiece!It might not be the kind of tune that would be broadcasted on the average commercial radio station but it is definitively playing on repeat in my home. This album is genius and so is Finn Andrews.
That last sentence makes no sense to me.