Veneer is a strange album. When I first heard it I was fairly non-plussed, it was all very nice but suited background listening rather than any particular attention. The only track that really stood out was ‘Heartbeats’ but only for its familarity due to its use in the Sony Bravia adverts. I didn’t even realise it was a cover by Swedish band ‘The Knives’. And it stayed that way for quite a while, until earlier this year when in the middle of a bad patch and with sleep becoming more than a struggle – I really discovered this album. José González has a strange heritage in as much as he is Swedish born by Argentine parents. The album was originally released in 2003 across Europe and didn’t reach the UK until Spring 2005, I believe it followed later in the year for the states. The sound/style is consistent throughout the album, well-played classicial guitar and soft almost forgettable melodies. That is until you really start listening. At first it seems like a guitar album, the only visible difference between tracks being changes in the guitar playing, but behind the stark composition there are some beautiful lyrics. I think ‘Lovestain’ typifies this ‘You left a blood stain on the ground, You left a love stain on my heart, but blood comes out easily’. Other quality tracks on the album include ‘Broken Arrows’ and ‘Crosses’, but in honesty I don’t think there is a bad track on it. Perhaps it is due to the simple nature of the recordings and their composition (although don’t be fooled, this guy can really find his way around a guitar), but it delivers throughout and is now a part of a routine to help me sleep. It’s a calming and comforting album and would suit a long journey, or trying to sooth an upset child, or just for simple relaxing.
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Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Satisfactory
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