It was June 9th and frontman Steve Kilbey of The Church posed the question “Who knew we could have a rock and roll gig on a Tuesday night?” to a full August Hall in the beginning of a show that commenced promptly at 7 o’clock. Despite the early start and with no opener to kick the evening off, the crowd instantly recognized the band and quickly became silent as the first notes were strummed by an ensemble of jangling electric guitars and atmospheric drum beats.
Watching the technique of the band was entrancing. Steve Kilbey´s poetic, sometimes vague lyrics, and soothing, distinctive voice gave a timeless and nostalgic quality to the songs making them feel as if you were listening to one of their first shows in the early 80´s, with Kilbey enhancing this effect by providing background and tour stories of the past in-between songs. The five member, mod attired lineup further contributed to the complex countermelodies and dynamic sounds. Ian Haug, one of the many guitarists using the technique of looping pedals and special effects, played along with a combination of electric and traditional drums performed by Tim Powles and Nicholas Meredith to create beats that pounded through the floor and throughout the building.
It was no surprise that a band could create such a powerful sound as these songs have been developed and created over the last 50 years. The set contained a perfect balance of slow and percussive songs, as the tour celebrated their singles from 1980-2025. It was captivating to hear how flawlessly their classic and recent releases flowed together, with over 40 Singles to choose from they picked songs that riveted the audience and gave them reason to sing and dance amongst each other, with all ages of fans in attendance. With the two and a half hour set holding no dull moments, the crowd laughed in between songs to the banter and appreciations the band made to the crowd.
As the night went on, and “Under the Milky Way” was performed, the band came back from a boisterous encore to play “Sacred Echos” and “An Interlude.” The latter of the two contained a lengthy and enthralling drum and guitar breakdown which culminated to a loud and energetic end. Gathering the band together to form a smile filled bow to the crowd, The Church ended the night with an exciting phrase said by Kilbey “We´ll be back next year. Thank you ladies and gentlemen!”
Waiting after the show, my friends and I had the pleasure of meeting the “man behind it all” according to drummer Powles. We were soon graced by the friendly and charming nature of Steve Kilbey and were led into a long conversation on how we discovered and became enamored in The Church’s extensive discography. We gave him the thanks the band is owed, with his last words to us repeating “We will see you next year!” Now the waiting begins…
Review by Ruby Labrie, photo by Genevieve Achee
