Record Label: Rough Trade
Genre: Indie
Band Link: link
Buy on Amazon.com link

The album begins with songs steeped in twangy Americana and piano-driven boogie. That, plus the strained Lou Reed-ish vocals, make it surprising that they hail from New Zealand.

Unfortunately, they’re not very good, so who gives a shit where they’re from.

The first couple of songs are okay, but the Veils shift gears and do some subpar indulgent things, like the weird 60s soul-pop “Advice For Young Mothers To Be,” which has background doo-wop girl singers; the irritating swamp rock of “Jesus for the Jugular” and various hipster twists on tortured indie pop. Many of the latter songs have background soul singing, which gives them a feeling of self-importance way higher than they deserve.

They’re unique, but they’re smug in their uniqueness, which is a turn off. But check out “Calliope!” which has a great 80s Bunnymen/Simple Minds sound, and the jangly Strokes-meets-Britpop “Night Thoughts of a Tired Surgeon”.

Bottom Line: Decent indie rock with twists, but too hipsterish.
Notable Tracks: Calliope!
Overall Rating: