The Church thrills with marathon length performance in Chandler, Arizona

Who: The Church

Where: Wild Horse Pass Showroom in Chandler, AZ

When: Friday, Oct. 6 2023

Next: Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha, NE, Oct. 9; The Magic Bag in Ferndale, MI, Oct. 11 

Information: thechurchband.net

Review and photos by Robert Kinsler

Steve Kilbey at Wild Horse Pass
Showroom in Chandler, AZ.

One of the more groundbreaking and original modern rock ensembles to ever emerge from Australia, The Church has created a sound and extensive discography that is as impressive as it is timeless. Under the continuing leadership of founding member Steve Kilbey (lead vocals, bass guitar) since 1980, the band is currently on a North American tour in support of their 26th and most recent masterwork, 2023's The Hypnogogue as well as an impressive 15-track disc titled Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars that is only available to concertgoers who pick it up at the merchandise table at the troupe's shows (you can read this writer's review of the Deluxe edition of The Hypnogogue HERE).

On Friday night (Oct. 6), the Church performed a 26-song set at the beautiful Wild Horse Pass Showroom in Chandler, AZ that centered on the superb recent material from the quintet, while also revisiting the band's beloved early material. 

From left, Ashley Naylor and Steve Kilbey.

What was clear whether the Church was performing newer originals (indeed, the band opened with the reflective "Ascendence," the opening track on The Hypnogogue) or classics from the band's 1988 masterwork Starfish was that it's impossible to think of another band that creates an immersive soundscape like the Sydney-spawned outfit. At the Chandler concert, the Church combined sumptuous psychedelia-laced pop that fused layers of bewitching layers of guitars and sparse keyboards with hypnotic rhythms and undeniable melodies that wash over the listener with the power associated with more hard rocking bands. And Kilbey's deep baritone vocals remain a wonderfully distinctive fit with that winning sonic tapestry.

Lead guitarist Ian Haug.

Among the early standouts in the set was "Destination" with luxurious multiple vocals a centerpiece of a particularly effective and nuanced arrangement adding power to the track's unsettling and probing lyrics. The buoyant follow-up "Metropolis" with its infectious chorus and memorable guitar lines, and a dynamic "Columbus" bolstered by waves of guitar textures provided by Ian Haug, Jeffrey Cain and Ashley Naylor were equally forceful. The swirling rhythm-minded "Kings" (featuring the drumming of Nicholas Meredith), melodic "The Unguarded Moment" (the latter was the band's first radio hit, off the Church's 1981 debut album Of Skins and Heart) and a mini-set of acoustic tracks ("Old Coast Road," "Albert Ross" and "Fly") were all showcased in set 1 of the night.

Steve Kilbey enjoying the moment.

Set 2 found the Church continuing to play with artistic might, including on the gorgeous "Realm of Minor Angels" (enhanced by Haug's mandolin work), swirling art rocker "C'est La Vie," a haunting take on "Under the Milky Way," ethereal rocker "Grind" (the latter showcasing Haug's top-tier lead guitar work), opulent "I Think I Knew" and literate psychedelic foray "Second Bridge."
For the band's welcome encore, the Church performed the mesmerizing extended version of "Reptile" and a fiery jam-filled "You Took."

From left, Ashley Naylor, Steve Kilbey and Jeffrey
Cain at Wild Horse Pass Showroom. 

The Church continues its North American Tour with dates scheduled through early November 2023. Visit the band's official website HERE for upcoming concert dates.

New Music: The Church, Paul Rodgers, Genya Ravan, The Doors

New releases from acclaimed Australia legends The Church, singer-songwriter great Paul Rodgers, pioneering songstress Genya Ravan and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Doors are worth adding to your music library.

Artist: The Church
Title: The Hypnogogue (Deluxe) edition (Communicating Vessel)
You might like if you enjoy: The Cure, Interpol, Tame Impala
Tell me more: While The Hypnogogue is the 26th album release from The Church, it marks the band's first-ever concept album (a lyrically and sonically detailed dystopian tale set in 2054). The newly-issued deluxe edition of the album expands the initial February 2023 standard version of the LP with six additional tracks. The Hypnogogue (Deluxe) is truly an ambitious and stellar disc that finds singer-songwriter/bassist Steve Kilbey and company using their unique blend of modern, alternative, Neo-psychedelic and progressive rock styles to immerse the listener in the sumptuous journey across 19 tracks. They hypnotic rocker "C'est La Vie," shimmering "I Think I Knew," reflective title track, melodic "Aerodome" and luxurious "Realm of Minor Angels" (the latter is among the previously-unissued cuts on the expanded release) are among the immediately captivating tracks on the deluxe edition. More experimental tracks (notably "Succulent," "Antartica," "Second Bridge" and "A Strange Past") reward discerning listeners on repeated listens. The band's fall U.S. tour begins on Sept 28 in Seattle and includes upcoming dates in Southern California, Arizona and New Mexico; concertgoers who come out to the shows can also pick up a The Hypnogogue companion audio CD called Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars which features 15 brand new songs and will only be available at the merch table on the band's U.S. fall tour. Information: thechurchband.net. 

Artist: Paul Rodgers
Title: Midnight Rose (Sun Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bad Company, The Firm, Paul Rodgers, Queen + Paul Rodgers
Tell me more: One of rock's all-time great talents, Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company, The Firm, Queen + Paul Rodgers) is back with Midnight Rose. The British-Canadian singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist's first new solo album since 1999's Electric, the eight-track Midnight Rose showcases that Rodgers voice remains a top-flight wonder at age 73. Rodgers' signature lead vocals shine on the blues-rock opener "Coming Home," the breezy folk-swept title track, Bad Company-styled rockers "Living It Up" and "Take Love," dazzling Renaissance mining "Dance In The Sun," affecting "Highway Robber" and ambitious closer "Melting," the latter casting a strong light on Rodgers' nuanced and artful touch as the song burgeons from a bluesy ballad into a bona fide rocker. Available on both vinyl and audio CD, Midnight Rose was produced by Cynthia Rodgers and Bob Rock; the album was recorded at Roper Recording and The Warehouse in British Columbia. Information: sunrecords.com. 

Artist: Genya Ravan
Titles: "Urban Desire" and "...And I Mean It!" (BFD/The Orchard)
You might like if you enjoy: Joan Jett, Patti Smith, Lou Reed, Sass Jordan

Tell me more: Groundbreaking rock songstress Genya Ravan's incredible legacy is celebrated via two terrific reissues available now via Bob Frank Distribution (BFD). Armed with a powerful soprano, Ravan's self-produced solo albums Urban Desire (1978) and its follow-up ...And I Mean It (1979) showcase her mighty vocals and shining blues-harp playing. The reissues also serve as the perfect introduction to an artist who deserves more recognition. Born Genyusha Zelkowitz in Poland in 1940, Ravan survived the Holocaust. In America, she forged a path in the male-dominated music industry — including forming the first all-woman rock band (Goldie & The Gingerbreads) in 1963 and subsequently one of the first rock 'n' roll horn bands (Ten Wheel Drive) in 1969.  Urban Desire opens with the jubilant rocker "Jerry's Pigeons," with subsequent standouts on the album including the rollicking blues rock nugget "The Knight Ain't Long Enough," acoustic foray "Do It Just For Me," scorching take on The Supremes' "Back In My Arms Again" and rousing "Aye Co'lorado," the latter a wonderful duet with Lou Reed. 

...And I Mean It features an equally strong track listing, which includes gems like the heavy blues sortie "Pedal To The Metal," punkish "It's Me," infectious New Wave-tinged "Love Isn't Love," genre-smashing rocker "I'm Wired, Wired, Wired" and her poignant duet with Ian Hunter ("Junkman"). Both albums are available on audio CD and via vinyl. Information: genyaravan.com. 

Artist: The Doors
Title: Live at the Matrix, 1967 (Rhino)
You might like if you enjoy: The Doors, Robby Krieger, classic rock
Tell me more: Anytime fans get treated to a new release featuring The Doors there is reason for celebration. The release of the Live at the Matrix, 1967 is truly one of the great audio titles of 2023; the limited edition 3CD box set features the complete and original recordings captured during the band's five-night engagement in March 1967 at the small San Francisco nightclub known as The Matrix. The recordings featured on Live at the Matrix, 1967 were taken from the first-generation 7-inch reels that captured singer Jim Morrison, guitarist Robby Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and drummer John Densmore just prior to their explosive emergence as one of the most successful and important rock bands of the late 1960s. Standout performances abound across the sets recorded by Peter Abram between March 7-11, 1967 that are featured on the box set. The band's first set on March 7, 1967 features a freewheeling and dynamic version of "Back Door Man," a previously unreleased take on the psychedelic rocker "My Eyes Have Seen You," a mesmerizing run through the Miles Davis-penned instrumental "All Blues" and potent 12-minute take on the classic "When The Music's Over." There are so many incredible moments to be heard across the three discs; a blues-drenched take on Willie Dixon's "Close To You," fiery version of the John Lee Hooker classic "Crawling King Snake" enhanced by Krieger's signature guitar work, the wistful "I Can't See Your Face In My Mind," Baroque pop-meets-blues ballad "The Crystal Ship," several powerful versions of "Break On Through (To The Other Side)" and a otherworldly performance of "Light My Fire" are just a few of the stellar cuts to be heard. Detailed liner notes written by Joel Selvin provide a comprehensive look at the inspired performances and what led The Doors to journey to San Francisco to appear at The Matrix just prior to their impending stardom. Production of the audio CD version is limited to only 21,000 copies worldwide. Information: thedoors.com. 

Robert Kinsler

The Church release Deluxe Edition of "The Hypnogogue" + Companion CD...band on tour this fall!

Today marks the release of the deluxe edition of The Hypnogogue; get all the details on the new collection from The Church, including where you can catch the groundbreaking group on tour...Robert Kinsler

"There’s a warm intimacy to this trippy, low-key affair that invites you to trance out into contemplative bliss. Elements of the goth, new wave, and space rock worlds that intermingled when they started still coalesce here ('Antarctica' is a standout). Given the throwback vibes of so many modern tunes, The Hypnogogue works equally well as retro and timeless music." - A.V Club "On The Hypnogogue, the quintet creates fluid moods, moving in idiosyncratic directions while maintaining the shadowy gaze that has defined The Church’s style." - American Songwriter "The Church’s usual melodic, psychedelic sound takes a stark turn into a concept album about a sci-fi dystopia, perfectly suited for singer Steve Kilbey’s plaintive voice." - Post-Punk.com

Release The Hypnogogue – Deluxe Edition  with Six New Tracks Added to the Original Album  Also Announce Brand New Companion CD Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars  Available ONLY At the Merch Table on Tour Kicks Off Fall North American Tour Sept. 28th Photo credit: Hugh Stewart SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 (Melbourne, AUS) – Some stories don’t quite have endings… Such is the case with THE CHURCH’s latest album THE HYPNOGOGUE which was originally released on February 24, 2023. A visionary album with a narrative thread - a first for the band who is entering their fifth decade of making music, The Hypnogogue’s retro-futuristic, dystopian narrative reads like a short story from visionary science fiction author Philip K. Dick (“A Scanner Darkly,” “Electric Dreams”), revolving around a fictional machine (the "Hypnogogue") that extracts music directly from subconscious dreams. Now, as the band kicks off their second U.S. leg of their worldwide tour (tour dates below), the story of “The Hypnogogue” extends with a newly-released, expanded deluxe digital edition. With six added tracks, the deluxe package includes the recently released single and video “Realm of Minor Angels” which Post-Punk.com described as “hypnotic and ever-catchy” and bassist/vocalist/founder Steve Kilbey cites as “without doubt one of my favorite singles The Church has ever released.” The Church "Realm of Minor Angels (Official Music Video)" Link: https://youtu.be/AAFCXpxZ8PY?si=h5NKemEJg2F3IeBO Going beyond the initial storyline of The Hypnogogue, The Church will be releasing Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars, a companion CD that includes 15 brand new tracks, serving as a continuation of the storyline. The limited-edition CD will only be available at merch tables on the tour. The original dream-pulling storyline,” as Kilbey explains, “follows Eros Zeta, the biggest rock star of 2054, who has traveled from his home in Antarctica (against his manager’s advice) to use the Hypnogogue to help him revive his flagging fortunes. In the midst of the toxic process, he also falls in love with Sun Kim and it all ends tragically (of course, as these things often do).” In the progression of the 15 tracks, the story of Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars expands the mythos, as explained by Kilbey: “Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars were formed in 2048 in Antarctic City in Antarctica. They had many hits including ‘Realm of Minor Angels’ and ‘Sublimated in Song’ and in all released six collections of music. They toured the postwar world incessantly during the early 2050s and were capable on a good night of selling out concerts in most countries that still had gigs. The band were troubled with personnel and substance problems culminating in Eros Zeta's addiction to Sky and his subsequent inability to write new songs. In 2054, he journeyed to Korea where he used the Hypnogogue to create new music. After the disastrous effects these songs created, he died in a traffic accident whilst on his way to the airport to return home. The songs were thereafter prohibited in most places. In recognition of his services to Antarctican music, a statue was built to honor him in the Australian Quarter of Antarctic city. The band continued on without him but to little success which led to them disbanding in 2057.” The Hypnogogue resulted in arguably some of the best reviews in the band’s 40-year history. A.V. Club lauded, “There’s a warm intimacy to this trippy, low-key affair that invites you to trance out into contemplative bliss. Elements of the goth, new wave, and space rock worlds that intermingled when they started still coalesce here… The Hypnogogue works equally well as retro and timeless music.” Brooklyn Vegan adds, “Forty some years into their existence, these Aussie psych legends are making some of the most vital music of their careers.” Under the Radar assures, “The Hypnogogue reaffirms why this band have been held in high esteem for so long.” Starting out in 1980, The Church have continued to expand their highly cinematic and atmospheric blend of indie rock, shimmering post-punk, icy dreampop and psychedelic post-rock without retreading their steps. Their expansive music career yielded a string of hit songs including “Under the Milky Way,” “Reptile,” “The Unguarded Moment” and “Almost With You” amongst others and their equally stellar live shows have been deemed “spectacular” by MAGNET Magazine, citing their “dreamy psychedelia that will daub your evening with shades of paisley.” The 2022 epic five-piece line-up is bassist, vocalist and founder Steve Kilbey; with long-time collaborator Tim Powles, drummer and producer across 17 albums since '94; guitarist Ian Haug,formerly of Australian rock icons Powderfinger, who joined the band in 2013 and Jeffrey Cain (Remy Zero), touring multi-instrumentalist who is now a full-time member of The Church since the departure of Peter Koppes in early 2020. The band have also recruited Ashley Naylor, long-time member of Paul Kelly’s touring band and one of Australia’s finest and most respected guitarists (Even, The Grapes, The Stems). The Hypnogogue (Deluxe) is released now and available at https://orcd.co/qj0qmo9. ​ TOUR DATES   Sep 28 Seattle, WA Neptune Theater Sep 30 San Francisco, CA Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2023 Oct 1 Mill Valley, CA Sweetwater Music Hall Oct 2 Ventura, CA Ventura Music Hall Oct 4 Pomona, CA The Glass House Oct 5 Las Vegas, NV Brooklyn Bowl Oct 6 Chandler, AZ The Showroom at Wild Horse Pass Oct 7 Santa Fe, NM The Lesnic Oct 9 Omaha, NE The Waiting Room Oct 11 Ferndale, MI The Magic Bag Oct 12 State College, PA State Theater Oct 13 Covington, KY Madison Theatre Oct 14 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse Oct 15 Birmingham, AL Saturn Oct 17 Ponte Vedra, FL Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Oct 18 Orlando, FL The Abbey Oct 19 Clearwater, FL Capitol Theatre Oct 20 Fort Lauderdale, FL Culture Room Oct 21 Fort Lauderdale, FL Culture Room Oct 23 Pensacola, FL Vinyl Music Room Oct 24 New Orleans, LA House of Blues Oct 26 Austin, TX Levitation Festival Oct 27 Houston, TX Heights Theater Oct 28 Dallas, TX Kessler Theater Oct 29 Oklahoma City, OK Tower Theater Oct 31 Evanston, IL SPACE Nov 1 Evanston, IL SPACE The Hypnogogue - Deluxe Edition Ascendence C'est La Vie I Think I Knew Flickering Lights The Hypnogogue Albert Ross Thorn Aerodrome The Coming Days No Other You Succulent Antarctica Second Bridge - Added content - Realm of Minor Angels Amanita Song 18 Sublimated In Song Pleasure A Strange Past Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars Realm Of Minor Angels Pleasure Amanita 2054 Manifesto The Immediate Future Sublimated In Song Song 18 The Weather Korea Song From The Machine Age Sleeping For Miles Last Melody A Strange Past Music From The Ghost Hotel Website Facebook Twitter Instagram

The Church announce second North American Leg of "The Hypnogogue" Tour

Very exciting news that The Church is coming back to North America this fall and will be performing in a number of venues across the country. Here is the media release that was issued earlier today...Robert Kinsler

The Church / Photo credit: Hugh Stewart

"There’s a warm intimacy to this trippy, low-key affair that invites you to trance out into contemplative bliss. Elements of the goth, new wave, and space rock worlds that intermingled when they started still coalesce here ('Antarctica' is a standout). Given the throwback vibes of so many modern tunes, The Hypnogogue works equally well as retro and timeless music." - A.V Club "On The Hypnogogue, the quintet creates fluid moods, moving in idiosyncratic directions while maintaining the shadowy gaze that has defined The Church’s style." - American Songwriter "The Church’s usual melodic, psychedelic sound takes a stark turn into a concept album about a sci-fi dystopia, perfectly suited for singer Steve Kilbey’s plaintive voice." - Post-Punk.com

ANNOUNCES SECOND LEG TO THE HYPNOGOGUE TOUR  26th STUDIO ALBUM CONTINUES TO GENERATE GLOWING REVIEWS DIGITAL DELUXE EDITION TO BE RELEASED THIS FALL! JULY 10, 2023 (Melbourne, AU) – “Not in my wildest dreams did I expect all the love that has been thrown at this record by the audiences and the critics,” says STEVE KILBEY, the bassist, vocalist and founder of seminal psych-guitar masters THE CHURCH. Beaming over the overwhelmingly positive reaction to their 26th album The Hypnogogue, Kilbey and the band have announced a second leg to their North American tour in support of that album. “I’m excited to play a whole bunch of new places and take this incredible version of The Church to wherever folks want to hear us.” Kicking off on September 28th at Seattle, WA’s Neptune Theater, this live journey finds the band circling the continent, including shows in SoCal, New Mexico, Georgia, Florida, and Illinois. The Church will also be offering a limited number of VIP packages on this tour, which will include a show ticket, early venue access, an invitation to the band’s soundcheck, a special meet & greet with the band, exclusive merch items, and watching a portion of the show itself from the side of the stage (where available). “I feel like a heavyweight fighter getting into the ring, pretty confident that he is going to land a knockout punch,” he laughs. “The new songs are just going down so well, not to mention the other 40 odd years’ worth of music that all seems to fit so well blended in and rendered anew by my lovely talented cohorts!” (see full dates below.) In addition to the tour, The Church will be releasing a digital deluxe edition of The Hypnogogue which will include additional songs not included on the original 13-track album. to be released this fall to coincide with the tour.  More info soon!  The first thematic and narrative album in their career, The Hypnogogue (released February 24, 2023 via Communicating Vessels), found the band with arguably some of the best reviews in their 40-year history. A.V. Club lauded, “There’s a warm intimacy to this trippy, low-key affair that invites you to trance out into contemplative bliss. Elements of the goth, new wave, and space rock worlds that intermingled when they started still coalesce here… The Hypnogogue works equally well as retro and timeless music.” BrooklynVegan adds, “Forty some years into their existence, these Aussie psych legends are making some of the most vital music of their careers.” Under the Radar assures, “The Hypnogogue reaffirms why this band have been held in high esteem for so long.” The Church "No Other You" Link: https://youtu.be/vPzaJfykn70 While music fans and critics revere their studio catalog, their live shows are something to behold. Rolling Stone raves, “In full flight, Kilbey plays the bass with a power and intent once reserved for ascending Lancaster bomber pilots in WWII.” KCRW hosted a live session of the band, chiming, “The band’s unmistakable blend of lush atmospherics and diamond-edged rock ’n’ roll remains as intoxicating as ever.” The Big Takeover applauds the seamless flow of their sets as "a selection of captivating new songs honoring the band’s beloved sound while carrying it forward.” “The Hypnogogue has come to life on stage during our U.S. and Australian tours this year,” says Kilbey. “Every night we play, I understand more about what it is. I am so buoyed by the audience’s enthusiasm for the songs and stories behind the songs that I’m constantly reinventing and recalibrating the whole shebang!” Starting in 1980, The Church continued expanding their highly cinematic and atmospheric blend of indie rock, shimmering post-punk, icy dreampop and psychedelic post-rock without retreading their steps. Their expansive music career yielded a string of hit songs, including “Under the Milky Way,” “Reptile,” “The Unguarded Moment” and “Almost With You” amongst others,and their equally stellar live shows have been deemed “spectacular” by MAGNET Magazine, citing their “dreamy psychedelia that will daub your evening with shades of paisley.” Their recent U.S. performance at 2022’s Cruel World Festival alongside Blondie, Bauhaus and Morrissey was heralded as “a subtle delight… that captivated the late afternoon audience” (Orange County Register), “providing the perfect soundtrack” (Rock Cellar Magazine). Founded by bassist and vocalist Steve Kilbey, the line-up is rounded out with long-time collaborator Tim Powles, drummer and producer across 17 albums since '94; guitarist Ian Haugformerly of Australian rock icons Powderfinger, who joined the band in 2013 and Jeffrey Cain(Remy Zero), touring multi-instrumentalist who is now a full-time member of The Church since the departure of Peter Koppes in early 2020. The band has also recruited Ashley Naylor, a long-time member of Paul Kelly’s touring band and one of Australia’s finest and most respected guitarists (Even, The Grapes, The Stems). “I’m most excited for anyone who hasn’t heard this record and also those who have as they feel all the love and work that goes into these songs coming  to life every night,” Kilbey concludes, reflecting on The Hypnogogue and its dystopian narrative within. “We constantly streamline and improve the music and as I go on explaining (to them and myself) the crazy and haphazard world of Eros Zeta and Sun Kim Jong [the album’s central characters] and the strange beast that is the Hypnogogue!” TOUR DATES   Sep 28 Seattle, WA Neptune Theater Oct 2 Ventura, CA Ventura Music Hall Oct 4 Pomona, CA The Glass House Oct 5 Las Vegas, NV Brooklyn Bowl Oct 6 Chandler, AZ The Showroom at Wild Horse Pass Oct 7 Santa Fe, NM The Lesnic Oct 9 Omaha, NE The Waiting Room Oct 11 Ferndale, MI The Magic Bag Oct 12 State College, PA State Theater Oct 13 Covington, KY Madison Theatre Oct 14 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse Oct 15 Birmingham, AL Saturn Oct 17 Ponte Vedra, FL Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Oct 18 Orlando, FL The Abbey Oct 19 Clearwater, FL Capitol Theatre Oct 20 Fort Lauderdale, FL Culture Room Oct 21 Fort Lauderdale, FL Culture Room Oct 23 Pensacola, FL Vinyl Music Room Oct 24 New Orleans, LA House of Blues Oct 26 Austin, TX Levitation Festival Oct 27 Houston, TX Heights Theater Oct 28 Dallas, TX Kessler Theater Oct 29 Oklahoma City, OK Tower Theater Oct 31 Evanston, IL SPACE Nov 1 Evanston, IL SPACE THE HYPNOGOGUE album art  Ascendence C'est La Vie I Think I Knew Flickering Lights The Hypnogogue Albert Ross Thorn Aerodrome The Coming Days No Other You Succulent Antarctica Second Bridge