The Veils - Sun Gangs

The most striking thing about The Veils’ third album is that nothing really makes an impression. While their previous outings soared from the depths of human sorrow to dizzying joy and back again, Sun Gangs rarely thrills, and for the most part it’s downright depressing. This is surprising, as the album starts so well: opener Sit Down By The Fire is a prime example of the bruised folk-influenced indie rock that The Veils do so gracefully, and is followed by the heartbreaking title track. However, five tracks in, the record takes a wrong turn with It Hits Deep that it never quite recovers from. Of course, The Veils don’t really do light-hearted, but the often shapeless laments that make up Sun Gangs’ second half wallow in such deep misery that they come across as whiny rather than emotive. Thanks to Finn Andrews’ unmistakable sandpaper-on-glass vocals, it’s difficult to feel compelled to switch Sun Gangs off outright, but quite simply, The Veils can do much better.