Church
Uninvited Like the Clouds  

Review

As if dazzling world-wide audiences by performing in the opening ceremony at the (Melbourne) Commonwealth Games wasn’t enough this year, The Church release their new album ‘Uninvited Like The Clouds’ (Cooking Vinyl – COOKCD336). You may remember the band in more recent times from the Donnie Darko soundtrack (‘Under the Milky Way’) but don’t be fooled ! You’ll definitely remember the band after hearing their latest album ‘Uninvited Like The Clouds’. Australia’s best kept musical secret glide majestically into their 26th year, but could this be the album that launches the band to world-wide acclaim that is so very embarrassingly long overdue?

To compare The Church to other bands would be simply foolish - Steve Kilbey, Peter Koppes, Tim Powles, and Marty Wilson-Piper continue to effortlessly delight with their unique style – lets hope that a UK tour isn’t too far away. Not difficult to understand why The Church is considered by many to be the best guitar band in the world!

As with all Church albums, the opening track ‘Block’ kicks off in solid style and sets the scene for an intoxicating teasing musical ride through what The Church do best – fabulous guitar work, fantastic lyrics, underpinned by an energetic beat that should compel you to visit their back catalogue without delay!

Next up are ‘Unified Field’ and ‘Space Needle’ – clearly the back to back track winners on this CD – for those of you who vote in this category! The up tempo guitar sounds in ‘Unified Field’, combined with lyrics beyond so many of more modern day offerings from more familiar bands, is pure magic. The strangely haunting and addictive ‘Space Needle’ darkly and compelling reminds us that The Church…….well, you decide!

A melodic and poignant  ‘Overview’ is followed by arguably the outstanding track on the album - ‘Easy’ - an upbeat dreamy number that leaves you wanting more, so much more….. Could this be an updated version of the timeless classic ‘Bel Air’ that many Church fans consider their Holy Grail?

Cue Marty Wilson Piper on vocals for ‘She’ll come back for you tomorrow’ and the delightful ‘Pure Chance’ and ‘Never Before’ before arriving at ‘Real Toggle Action’ – a sure fire winner – full of atmospheric moody guitar edginess you’d come to expect.

Those tantalizing melodies continue unashamedly in ‘Untoward’ and ‘Day’. Sadly, the final track, and the only real criticism of the album – ‘Song To Go’ – does not provide a quality of finale that one has come to expect and seriously enjoy in previous album releases. By this point however, the band can be easily forgiven as there are so many catchy riffs already in your head, you’ll be heading back to the start to enjoy them all over again.

The lead singer, Steve Kilbey, should share his secret of aging so well ! His mesmerising sound continues to grow and grow with every song and album – and fans can look forward to the release of his biography later this summer. Rumour of a second collaborative album with Jeffrey Cain via ‘Isodore’ should prove a further massive hit in 2006. If you haven’t heard Isodore’s self titled debut album, the reviewer’s clear favourite album of 2004, then shame on you!!

Should you buy the album to contribute to The Church pension fund? Not a chance!!! Just relax, enjoy and marvel at another Church masterpiece, and pray that there is more to follow.