The Church

To say this Aussie foursome’s career path resembles a roller coaster ride is an understatement. Failure to meet major-label expectations, and well publicized interpersonal struggles exacerbated by drug problems have been common themes throughout most of their on-again/off-again 25-year career. Not much is likely to change in a band filled with so many strong personalities, but on Clouds egos are subsumed in the interest of recreating the dark and moody textures of the Church’s best classic work. Simple but densely melodic dreamy pop with a touch of psychedelia lays the groundwork for Steve Kilbey’s out-there lyrics and the effects-heavy guitar riffing of Marty Wilson-Piper and Peter Koppe. The four-minute-plus “Block,” the playful “Space Needle,” and the chill-inducing “Never Before” incorporate elements of electronica into the Church’s already trippy soundscapes, whereas “Easy” and “Day 5” stick to straight and easy trad-pop. It makes for a nice contrast on the most dynamic Church album in years.

• Marty Wilson-Piper
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• Steve Kilbey
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• THE CHURCH
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On the Web
The Church://www.thechurchband.com/