{^Runaway Found} is a weathered debut album. With less focus on making an eager first impression than most bands emerging from the {\post-grunge} era, {$the Veils} consume themselves with a {\rock} canvas rooted in {\singer/songwriter} {$Finn Andrews}' {\folk} upbringing. An unjaded view of romance and desire is cast, and {$the Veils}' sincerity is far from hidden from the stormy design of the album's atmospheric backdrop. {^The Runaway Found} basks in its glorious {\pop} spotlight simply because it enjoys the heat, and such a surefire introduction is bound to be impressive. {$Andrews}, who was just 17- and 18-years-old when he composed the songs found here, is confident and sensitive, much like {$Richard Ashcroft} and the late {$Jeff Buckley}. Whether his heart is broken or mended, {$Andrews}' songwriting is reflective of hope and regret. {$Andrews}' lyrics and {$the Veils}' mature presentation complement one another, further indicating {$the Veils}' sharp ear for keeping things just so. From the majestic melodies of {&"Guiding Light"} and {&"The Leavers Dance"} to the thunderous clamor of {&"More Heat Than Light,"} {^The Runaway Found} never loses its momentum. The dry roar of {&"Vicious Traditions"} is close behind the latter's hungry disposition, adding to the album's burning flesh; however, it's {&"Lavinia"} that carries the weight of {^The Runaway Found}. Like the {$Manic Street Preachers}' {&"If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next"} and {$Mansun}'s {&"Wide Open Space,"} {&"Lavinia"} is classic. {$Andrews}' aching vocals are the center to the lilting string and piano arrangements. {$Oliver Drake}'s wispy acoustic guitars add a nice flair to the song's beautiful melancholy. {$The Veils} may be a young band, but they're hungry for their craft. {^The Runaway Found} is an incredibly focused first album, giving evidence of how serious {$the Veils} are about composing a stylish, quality sound. [The Japanese edition of {^Runaway Found} came in a slipcase with two bonus tracks.] ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide