This recording has a unique concept behind it, separating it from the rest of the existing catalogue. The broad concept of a concerto is to spotlight on the talents of one soloist or instrument by a composer. Generally This was an actual personal connection to a revered artist.
In modern day applications, it may have been a studio funding a breakout album, an example being: A vocalist like Nina Simone with strings or The Beatles with an Orchestra.

The Veil imagines a concerto where the artistry of the Surf Guitar is the featured instrument. The band is positioned behind the guitarist and at the rear of the sound stage is a small ensemble recording orchestra. The microphones and mix would reflect that hierarchy and the world of Surf Rock would be enhanced with the nuances of a chamber orchestra without losing the excitement and driving rhythms and general attitude that comes from 1960 rock n roll. This is not a “classical” album by any means, But has some wonderful melodic moments and crossovers that really stand out.

No actual budget to record an orchestra was possible when we set out to make this recording but the concept had to sound authentic otherwise it would have been out of context. So much authenticity of the Band elements - (Guitars, FX, Amps Pickups Cymbals and Drum Kit). The sound of the strings and horns needed to be tape soaked and true to the era of Surf Rock so they had to be constructed accordingly. The orchestral elements were painstakingly pieced together section by section with actual BBC orchestra recordings sampled by Spitfire Audio. Then they went to tape and mixed through vintage preamps, transformers, and a console from that era. Focused Percussion and additional cello parts were played over the top on actual instruments for realism. Each section of the orchestra was composed and played individually. They were placed into vintage springs and plate reverbs and positioned in the mix where they actually would have been positioned in the studio alongside the band. In the end it feels exactly like the kind of compositions that would have surrounded a rock band or vocalist album. Not overbearing or competing, just supporting the sound and direction that is coming from the feature element. In this case it's all about the rebellious Surf Rock guitar sound very much the standout element both sonically and compositionally.

WHY “THE VEIL”?
Sometimes, in an attempt to deny reality or to soften its impact, we apply some form of veil. Spiritual or physical, it changes little other than perceptions. This is a concerto initially inspired by Australia’s “droughts and flooding rains” - when faced with bushfires and inundations, we continue to draw our apathetic veils over the obvious actualities. Nature pays scant attention to any of our veils.

WHY SCRABBLE TILES IN THE LOGO?
In life, as in board or card games, we are generally limited to whatever we are dealt. How we react to and act upon any vicissitudes can define us as well as affect outcomes.
In this particular example, we are left with a choice of four tiles to lay on the board. They can be played as “LIVE” or arranged as “EVIL”. Either choice may not affect the final scores but perhaps give an insight to the mindset of the person behind the “VEIL”.