“And tell me if you can if this ain't Hell
Then why are all the devils here as well?”
The world that inspires Veils' eighth album is a planet in trouble, inhabited by demons ready to determine its fate at any moment.
A pessimistic but understandable vision that takes shape in the compositions of Finn Andrews who, having now effectively become a one-man band, creates a melancholy sound universe in which his songs become small flickering lights capable of illuminating the darkness.
“Fragile World” is a record made the old fashioned way: recorded on magnetic tape in New Zealand together with producer Tom Healy and subsequently enriched with impromptu arrangements, born from the spontaneity of the sessions.
The result is a more varied and instinctive work than the previous “Asphodels”, strongly linked to the collaboration with violinist Victoria Kelly, even if a similar emotional flow continues to run through both albums.
The melodies are essential, built to enhance Andrews' vocal interpretation, enhanced by harmonic suspensions, choruses and arrangements that are always measured and functional.
It is a winning formula that conquers from the opening of the lunar “Aurora” and finds further confirmation in the piano chords of “High Hopes”, where Andrews' voice recalls the most sorrowful Nick Cave, and in the delicate love dialogue of “Are You Awake Tonight?”.
It is in the most intimate and everyday dimension that the leader of the Veils seems to reach his creative peaks. In fact, he manages to transform the dawn into a small ode to rebirth in “New Day”, supported by an effective rhythmic crescendo, or to embroider poetry on the arrival of darkness in the minimal “The Widering Dark”, supported by an atmospheric synth that recalls Yo La Tengo and by calibrated interventions of guitar and piano.
From time to time Andrews tries to move away from more familiar territory with more structured and rhythmic songs. In some cases the result is convincing, as in “Little White Bird (Fragile World)”, which starts from soul suggestions à la James Blake to transform into a sort of lullaby suspended between tubular percussion, synth and slide guitar. The sparkling mood of “Lungs” appears less successful, while “These Are the Days” ends up indulging in an immediacy with an almost Coldplay-like flavour.
Closing the album comes a reinterpretation of Sinéad O'Connor's “In This Heart”. Originally performed a cappella, it is proposed here in a piano and vocal version with a traditional flavour, perfect for a sing-along at the end of the concert during the next tour, which will also stop in Italy.
If “Fragile World” does not succeed in the mission of being the brightest sequel to “Asphodels”, it however manages to consolidate the role of Veils among the most credible realities of contemporary melancholic and introspective alternative rock.
06/23/2026
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM
