The Australian rock bands twenty sixth studio album, described by the band's Steve Kilbey as "the most prog rock thing we have ever done" and "the most teamwork record we have ever had." The band lineup features Kilbey as the only remaining original member, along with guitarists Ash Naylor and Powderfinger's Ian Haug, and multi-instrumentalist Jeffrey Cain, with drummer Tim Powles who have been with the group since 1994.
What Worked
Dramatic and lush, The Church and Steve Kilbey return with another album that both compliments and expands upon the sound of the band. From the spaced-out opener "Ascendence" to the 70s prog-rock closer "Second Bridge," the album borders on a concept record that dabbles in gothic tones and subdued shoegaze that Jason Pierce of Spiritualized would appreciate. Other highlights include the pulsing "C'est La Vie" and grandiose "Flickering Lights."
What Didn't Work
Focusing on mood and hypnotic soundscapes, the album isn't chock full of earworm melodies. But that's been Kilbey's approach for years, letting the overall presentation take precedence than focusing solely on his vocal, which is rare for a band able to produce quality material for four decades.
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