Unveiling 'Nux Vomica' - An In-Depth Look At The Veils' New Album

The reissuing of Nux Vomica, the sophomore album by The Veils, will release on March 31st by Ba Da Bing Records. Producer Nick Launay, who has walked with giants such as Public Image Limited, The Birthday Party, INXS, and Midnight Oil, shall bear the original mixes. Great acclaim met the album when it first saw the light of day in 2006.

Nux Vomica, a testament to Andrews' sharp pen, his song a tapestry of joy in "Advice for Young Mothers to Be" and foreboding in "Nux Vomica." The album, a feat of youth and purpose, was born in the hands of 22-year-old Finn Andrews, marked with accomplishment.

The band submitted the album to Rough Trade for approval and found it wanting, then called upon Bill Price to tweak the sound and add layers. Launay's mix was discarded and lost until now.

The reissue of Nux Vomica is a scarce opportunity to bask in the original form, remastered from the original 2” tapes by Alex Wharton at Abbey Road in London. The album, a sound objective steeped in darkness, is a testament to Andrews' raw talent. Holes left exposed, this reissues a siren's call to fans of The Veils, a summons to all who appreciate the might of unbridled sound.

To mark the arrival of their double offering, …And Out Of The Void Came Love, Ba Da Bing offers a scarce pressing, Nux Vomica, limited to a mere 1200 LPs. The intricate details of the album are a testament to the lush and complex production, the instrumentation's richness, the musicians' skill, and the thoughtful and poetic lyrics. A version never before heard, a revelation of Andrews' gifts, a harbinger of a journey yet to unfold, a lifelong pursuit of art.

As expected, The Veils reveal tonnes of unwavering faith and persistent beliefs in the grooves. Hearing the album, I'm swift to note the piano's swift dance, the grunge it dons, its roots sunk deep in the soil of 90s alternative. In its strains, a harmonious blend, The Smiths echoed mingle with pop.

The album was originally produced by Nick Launay and remastered from the original 2" tapes by Alex Wharton at Abbey Road. Image from YouTube.

Taste will dictate the worth of The Veils' latest endeavor, Nux Vomica, a rich creation lacking novelty. This album maintains the familiar sound, resembling Total Depravity and its 2006 birth.

Andrews' voice is unique, a tapestry woven from threads of Nick Cave, David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, and weavers of verse like Sylvia Plath and W.B. Yeats. He sketches a classic scene, a couple's slow dance beneath a neon aura, basked in trauma that's edgy, angst, and misconstrued.

The album features a mix of raw emotion, catchy hooks, and thought-provoking lyrics, creating a unique experience. The themes of love, loss, and hope can be felt throughout the album, making it a must-listen for alternative music fans.

Though not a groundbreaker, Nux Vomica must do more to distinguish itself from its predecessors. The instrumentation is impressive, with lush strings, driving drums, and intricate guitar work all coming together to create an atmospheric soundscape. The 2023 release is missing "Night Thoughts of a Tired Surgeon," yet Andrews strikes with "Calliope!," "Jesus For The Jugular," "A Birthday Present," and "Nux Vomica," all hitting the grunge-driven hearts.

Compared to The Veils' earlier works, Nux Vomica gives a glimpse of their initial sound, a testament to the energy and raw might that permeates their music. Sun Gangs, Total Depravity, and Time Stays, We Go, these albums, all crafted in later years, have a more mature and refined sound they bear.

These musically and sonically rich recordings display the growth and evolution of The Veils' music stitch. Though their edge remains, a sophisticated and polished production they now wear. Keyboards and orchestration are now a part, of a layered and complex soundscape, with grace and art.