New Zealand-based alt-rock band The Veils just dropped their seventh studio album, Asphodels.
Coming 20 years after their debut album, the release marks a significant milestone and is a testament to the band’s unwavering evolution, with each album reflecting a bold progression in their sound and a deeper, more refined intensity.
Frontman Finn Andrews explains how Asphodels showcases some of his most authentic and honest songwriting to date, sharing, “I feel as though I’ve never been able to express this stuff rattling about in my brain quite as directly until now. I have rarely felt proud of anything I’ve made for very long, but this one feels different. It’s built on a strong foundation I think.” This renewed sense of purpose and depth proves that even after seven albums, The Veils continue to craft music with remarkable substance, and their songwriting has only grown stronger with time.
Sonically, the album is an introspective release that ebbs and flows with echoing, haunting melodies and the glowing embers of sound. It’s delicate yet rich, with warm, whiskey-soaked vocals that intertwine with pure, organic instrumentation, creating a deeply atmospheric backdrop for the thought-provoking lyrics.
The title Asphodels refers to an ancient Greek flower believed to grow in the underworld, where the souls of the dead resided. These flowers are associated with themes of death, remembrance, and the afterlife, which align perfectly with Andrew’s longstanding interest in intertwining concepts of death and love in his lyrics.
The album beautifully captures the delicate balance between love and loss, offering a contemplative release that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the listener.
