The Brit-Kiwi band The Veils is set to make a return to the stage next month, coinciding with the release of their latest album, Fragile World. The band describes this album as a significant evolution in their musical style and energy.
Frontman Finn Andrews shared insights into the creative journey behind the new album.
Q Fragile World (releasing on June 19) arrives shortly after Asphodels (2025), and rounds off a prolific decade that also saw the release of And Out Of The Void Came Love (2023). What fuels this burst of creativity?
A Writing is a constant for me, both a gift and a challenge. I discard more songs than I release, but lately, I’ve felt that more of them deserve to be heard. Brian Eno once said, “you don’t learn anything from an unreleased song,” and there’s truth in that. It’s all about the learning process.
Q The band describes Fragile World as a major shift in tone and energy. What prompted this new direction?
A Our previous album Asphodels was recorded under a strict “three days in the studio, all live to tape” approach, which left little room for experimentation. While that method suited Asphodels, I missed the creative exploration of the studio. This time, I embraced the unknown, letting the recording process shape the direction. It was intuitive, challenging, and exhilarating all at once.
A The album was recorded live to tape in New Zealand. What drove these choices, and how did they impact the album?
Q I wanted to experiment with a new approach to creating. This has resulted in a unique album that ideally offers a cohesive experience, whether listened to in full or track by track.
A The album reflects a world where “institutions appear to be crumbling before our eyes.” What message were you aiming to convey about this period?
Q This record was made as an act of creation amidst a world that feels increasingly adversarial. It’s a paradox: music might seem futile against war and cruelty, yet when humanity acts at its worst, art becomes vital. Perhaps I’m deceiving myself, but art represents humanity at its finest, and creating innocently feels meaningful right now.
Q You and producer Tom Healy played nearly all the instruments on the album. How did this affect its development?
A Yes, primarily Tom and I worked together, with our talented drummer Joe MacCallum joining us occasionally. This setup fostered an intense focus, given the minimal distractions with so few people involved. In larger groups, there can be disconnects, but we were unified, which accelerated the process and maintained focus.
Q You’ve mentioned preparing your “moth-bitten black suit and hat” for the New Zealand shows. How many performances has the hat endured?
A I have to replace the hat every year or so because it takes quite a beating from all the performances. It’s become a bit of a trademark, though I sometimes wish I’d chosen something simpler, like Elton John’s glasses.
The gigs
• Dunedin, Errick’s, Thursday, June 25
• Wānaka, Lake Wānaka Centre, Friday, June 26
