Finn Andrews
One Piece At A Time

THE REVIEW

At thirty-six and after five beautiful albums with The Veils, Finn Andrews embarks on his first solo adventure with this "One Piece At A Time."

Recorded in Andrews' hometown (Auckland, New Zealand), this is a very personal project lyrically and thematically (the cover photo is a shot of Finn himself at the age of nine), and far removed from the stylistic norms of his original band. "One Piece At A Time" is a very composed and classic record both in composition and execution, and is perfectly tailored around the remarkable vocal abilities of the Veils' leader.

Almost all the tracks are structured in a much less complex manner than Andrews' work with his band, and episodes like "A Shot Through The Heart (Then Down In Flame)" and "Stairs To The Roof" highlight an unsuspected pop sensibility of the New Zealand singer-songwriter.

The sumptuous "Love, What Can I Do" is opened, not coincidentally, by the piano chords of Finn's father (Barry Andrews, former keyboardist of XTC): a touching and enveloping father-son jazzed conversation, enriched by delicate double bass refinements.

But it is with "One For The Venom" that the album reaches its peak; a Nick Cave-esque blow that starts with claphands and voice, then grows into an overwhelming vortex of piano touches and strings, where Andrews lists like a possessed man a series of ways to die. "The Spirit In The Flame" sails towards more bluesy shores, while "Hollywood Forever" is the track that most recalls the stylistic traits of the parent band.

A fine solo debut from Andrews. A small intimate and autobiographical gem that opens unexpected glimpses into a solo career that could bring further surprises.

Best track: One For The Venom