Het Vrije Volk - 12th March 1988

(translated using Google Translate and DeepL)

 

Reward for black sheep from The Church?

 

The Church belongs to the groups that have a large chance to take advantage of the emerging interest in 'Australia'. Singer and lyricist Steve Kilbey would prefer not to make a connection between the current international climate and the development of his group.

"If we are only breaking through now it's because we are only making music that people like. That's all you need behind it. Nor as our origins have not been a handicap for us will they work to our advantage."

As a musician, Steve Kilbey does not consider himself related to his homeland at all.

"We have always been very European oriented, so it's nonsense to put us in a box with Australian bands. The Triffids are as far away from me as Bruce Springsteen. The Church has nothing to do with them and they have nothing to do with us. Comparing The Church with any other Australian band is the same as comparing Echo & The Bunnymen with Rick Astley. Nobody does that either."

The Church has never lacked critical acclaim. The neo-psychedelic quartet (with drummer Richard Ploog and guitarist Peter Koppes also from Dutch blood) both domestically and in Europe are regularly praised. Without there being a massive public reaction. Hence the nickname Black Sheep Of Australian Rock.

That's why Steve Kilbey is no more than 'cautiously optimistic' now 'Starfish', the sixth album in eight years, has been received with acclaim.

"In America the record is described as the 'Dark Side Of The Moon Of The Eighties'. Heavily exaggerated of course. When people read that, they will only be disappointed once they have heard it, because such a promise never comes true" said the head of The Church, who, moreover, is disturbed by the comparison with Pink Floyd.

"It's been following us from the first album. I have to admit that it was quite clear at the time they were influences. Meanwhile The Church has a very unique sound that no longer associates with that of others. Yes, do you know who does? The groups in America who want to support us all want to play Church-like numbers."

The secret of the artistic success of 'Starfish' according to Steve Kilbey lies in the collaboration with the American producer Greg Ladanyi, known from Jackson Browne and David Lindley among others.

"We were put together because our new record executive decided. But we saw nothing in that typical West coast figure and he in turn saw nothing in us. You could always see him thinking what should I with such a weird group, I can spend my time better. The recordings were no picnic, there was a lot of fighting. But, all of the conflicts have been worth it."

Ladanyi thinks so too.

"The charm of 'Starfish' is probably the collision or merging of the two musical movements."