This was an exclusive evening with The Church. There was no opening band, just The Church! It also meant a longer show, and sure enough the group played two 80-minute sets with a short intermission in between. The small and intimate nature of Space, great sound, relaxing atmosphere, good drinks, what’s there not to like? The set up was absolutely perfect. The band took the stage at 8:00 PM, and proceeded with Ascendance, creating a very special mood and feel.
As soon as The Church took over the stage, they began to build up a momentum. The set list covered a vast amount of material from different stages of band’s career. They really went for those deeper cuts, or songs that were not heard live for a while, and it was absolutely fantastic. Selections from The Hypnogogue were scattered all over the place, but always making their presence known. The tracks from the new album sounded big and stunning in the live setting. While the older songs were great, The Hypnogogue material was amazing! No Other You, I Think I Knew, Albert Ross, C'est La Vie, The Hypnogogue were the absolute highlights of the show. When you have an album this good on your hands, you need to project those songs, and The Church did that. They could’ve played the whole album from beginning to end, and there would not be a soul in that room who would object to that. Of course, there were the must play tracks like Under the Milky Way, Tantalized, or Reptile. Those songs have their role in a live set, and they brought a special joy to many in the audience. Tracks like You Took, which closed the show, showed the band jamming and creating a trance like feel. Great exchanges between the guitar players on that one too.
It's unbelievable how much The Church improved as a band since they played at the Thalia Hall, in Chicago, last April. They were fantastic back then, but they are a stunning unit now. The communication between those players is mind blowing. There is a lot more improvisation, and they give each other a lot of room to shine. The dialog between the Ian Haug, Ashley Naylor, and Jeffrey Cain was very impressive. The three of them have something that is very naturally musical. Sometimes Steve Kilbey switched on to guitar too, and that added even more color to already rich texture. Nicolas Meredith, who once again serviced the skins, is an outstanding drummer, with a perfect feel and a very special touch. The Church certainly went from one strength to the next. And to be respectful to the players who came before, their legacy is definitely kept intact.
This was an amazing evening full of beautiful music with a very strong spiritual charge. You feel these sounds and lyrics with your heart, you absorb them with your mind, and when those two lines intersect you become one with the songs. And it’s those very moments everyone who loves music strives for. At one point, Steve Kilbey said, “This is a great venue, you’re a great audience, and we’re great band.” He laughed at that statement afterwards, but honestly, he wasn’t lying, it was that perfect. And sometimes it’s good to know your own worth. When you make your best record 40 years after your formation, you know you’re onto something special.
Mark Kadzielawa
GALLERY
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