It’s a battle for me now. I clearly thought that I had seen the best live band of 2013, and they are called Night Moves. The problem started on Thursday night however at The Independent here in San Francisco. An artist named Finn Andrews took the stage and from the opening note of the night, my mind was completely blown.
Finn Andrews is the son of XTC keyboardist Barry Andrews and he’s the frontman of the critically acclaimed band The Veils, touring in support of their first record in four years. The London-based indie rock combo have delivered what I would consider to be the best album of their career. It’s a modern masterpiece titled, Time Stays, We Go.
“The Pearl” is probably the best example of songwriting and storytelling I have heard so far this year. Finn gets lost in the music and lyrics as he delivers the stunning vocal performance on this gem. The song builds to a Phil Spector-ish “Wall of Sound” but never truly hits a climax, and that’s the beauty of this band overall. They constantly keep the listener wanting more and more.
“Sign of Your Love”…my God this song is fucking incredible. This makes Starsailor’s finest moment seem just unnecessary. “Turn from the Rain” is a surprisingly uplifting song that stands quite nicely on its own, almost an anomaly on the record. But again, it takes on a life of its own and pulls the listener into Finn’s world where nothing else matters but that song at that very moment. This could be my very favorite track on the new record.
“The Birds” is hauntingly gorgeous, and Finn sings it like it’s the last time he will ever perform on Earth.
Naming another band who puts on a performance so personal, yet so dynamic and compellingis nearly impossible. The Veils in my opinion are only second to Night Moves as the best band on tour right now across the US. If they ever decide to tour together, this will be hands down the greatest show on Earth.
Bottom line here, go see this band live and prepare to have your mind blown as well. The record is available on 180 gram red vinyl that comes with the CD as well. It’s probably the best purchase you will make in 2013. Check out more photos here.
