Sydney rock band The Church has been around for almost three decades, 26 years to be precise, which they have spent being highly productive, chalking up at least 20 full-length albums and several side-projects. From the early days their output identified them as potential stars, and indeed by the late 80s/early 90s, they had achieved significant commercial and critical success. Over time their star may have dimmed a twinkle or two, but the music they have written and released in the past decade (bar a couple of less-inspired instances) has never been anything less than magnificent. Remarkably, the band has continued to attract an audience that is not only ferociously dedicated and loyal, but continues to grow with every album and tour.

Uninvited Like The Clouds, released some months ago, is one of those records that will certainly please Church fans and probably attract quite a few curious others. It possesses a sheen that brightens every one of its 12 tracks in typical Church style. Indeed, opening track Block bears more than a passing semblance to the band’s Priest=Aura days - a good thing in my books, since that album happens to be one of my personal favourite albums of all time! Untoward’s slightly more paced structure adds a rockier edge to the album while the contemplative closing track, Song To Go, embodies what (to me at least!) is so captivating about The Church’s music. An amalgam of Kilbey’s unique vocal touch, Willson-Piper’s guitar precision and the implied sense of space that offers a gratifying slice of ethereal rock that sets this band apart from (and above) their peers!

Rating: 4

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