UK group The Veils have never been the type of band to stay in one musical place for too long, and for Finn Andrews and his crew, this habit stays the same on their album Total Depravity. Their first release since 2013’s Time Stays, We Go, Total Depravity manages to incorporate what feels like a million different ideas into just under an hour of album time.
Ranging from opener Axolotl, which sounds like an angrier Portishead, to pre-release single Low Lays the Devil, reminiscent of the Black Keys, this album is not afraid to change directions at any given moment. It’s hard to see this as a downside when the album features so many highlights. Sure, not every song hits it out of the park, but enough of these different styles hit the mark that it’s hard not to be impressed by Finn’s song writing abilities.
There are songs about lost love, hate, and fear, and the album title of Total Depravity never seems too removed from the lyrics as Andrews explores the human condition.
Lyrically, the vocals are about as eclectic as the music, with a myriad of topics and characters explored throughout the album. Everyone gets a mention at some point on the record, with L. Ron Hubbard, Steve McQueen and Pope John Paul all getting a look in.
Overall, Total Depravity’s unpredictable style, as is often the case with the Veils, means you never quite know what’s around the corner. An interesting and enjoyable listen throughout, with plenty of high points and enough interesting stylistic decisions to make this a decent album, making you wonder where Finn Andrews will go next.
BY NATHAN QUATTRUCCI
