A Psychedelic Symphony: Live at Sydney Opera House
by The Church
REVIEWS and COMMENTS
A beautiful performance by Australian legends The Church, live at the Sydney Opera House.
The bad news is that A Psychedelic Symphony is not really all that psychedelic. If you are expecting distorted, surreal interpretations of the Church's discography, you'll likely be disappointed. The good news is that it is lush, serene, and gorgeous. So, misleading title aside, here are the positives...
This double CD (also released as a 2DVD-set) is a recording of a 2011 performance by The Church at the Sydney Opera House.
The band played to a sold-out crowd, and were backed by George Ellis and his orchestra. It would be easy to imagine that a full orchestra backing a rock band could be over-the-top, but this performance was definitely pulled off. The orchestra chime in at ideal moments, building songs to shimmering crescendos and filling out the sound.
Steve Kilbey's vocals are pitch-perfect, and the rest of the band are in fine form. The recording is high-quality and nothing is lost in translation.
The songs that are collected on this two disc set are basically all killer, no filler, but highlights include hits 'Reptile' and 'Under the Milky Way'. 'Two Places at Once' is song by both Kilbey and Marty Willson-Piper, which a nice treat for fans.
The enthusiasm from the crowd is palpable, and while the performance is polished to a sheen, Kilbey engages in some mid-song banter, and some songs are extended and tweaked to suit the set.
This album captures a band who are familiar to the point of perfection with their discography, but are no worse for it. It is a sublime performance captured for those who couldn't make it.
Church's symphonic live album is exquisite
The Church have never wanted to release a live album but A Psychedelic Symphony is different.
This celebratory 30th anniversary show in 2011 was no regular gig.
Backed by the 60-odd piece George Ellis Orchestra, plus extra players and singers, and performed at Sydney's most prestigious concert venue (the Opera House), A Psychedelic Symphony represents The Church at their most ambitious, taking a punt on a risky collision between art rock and classical music.
The good news is that this symphonic foray complements, and in some cases, enhances the band's best offerings - Almost With You, Under The Milky Way, Reptile, Myrrh, Grind and Tantalized. Even an old chestnut like The Unguarded Moment is recast into a grand, stately trot as the orchestra softens its jagged edges to still remain identifiable.
The power of Steve Kilbey, Peter Koppes, Marty Willson-Piper and Tim Powles' atmospheric rock being carried by the orchestra's strings is at times exquisite: a lush violin sweep here, a 12-string guitar flourish there. This is The Church in ultra luxe mode.
The results even surprised Kilbey, who admitted in his blog: "I never thought a live album was right for us till I heard this. Accomplished yet still rocking ... maybe our definitive document."
The Church - A Psychedelic Symphony (Unorthodox Records) is out now on CD and DVD.
The Church: A Psychedelic Symphony
If you ask someone who the best Australian band of all time is, you're gonna a get a whole bunch of answers. Some people will say Chisel. Some will say INXS. I had a high school teacher who swore that Australian music began and ended with The Easybeats.
Perhaps some people would argue Midnight Oil because of their politics. The trendanistas out there might push for Nick Cave, or The Triffids, of The Go-Betweens. Others might suggest Hunters & Collectors, because... HUNNERS!!!
For me, it's The Church. They're difficult to pigeonhole. Too intellectual for pub-rock, and yet they played a lot of pub-rock venues in their time. Too mainstream to be Indie, and yet they are as much of a cult-band as any other indie legend. Some people label them as psychedelic, but that downplays the depth and range of their music.
Some of you would remember their early hits: Unguarded Moment from 1981, and Almost With You from 1982. Most of you would know their biggest hit and FM radio stalwart, Under The Milky Way from 1988. What most of you won't realise is that since 1988's Starfish album (their 6th album) they have released another seventeen albums.
I was lucky enough to attend The Church's 30th anniversary concert at the Sydney Opera House in 2011. It was a great concert, and featured a wonderful youth orchestra to add to the flavour.
Now - finally - a DVD and CD of the concert have been released. It's the first time I've seen a concert I've attended turned into a DVD. It's an interesting experience. Now my memories of the night have to compete with the visuals from the DVD. (If you're quick, you can see me in the audience... I'm the middle-aged bloke in the black t-shirt...)
Unlike many bands of their vintage, The Church have never stopped growing or innovating. Their audience may have shrunk, but they have never resorted to joining the golden-oldies circuit. They have stuck resolutely to their vision, and continued to grow as a band. Their last album, 2009's Untitled #23 is full of music that bands half their age would kill for.
Four of the songs from this concert come from Untitled #23, and over half the concert features music recorded since 1990. The highlight of the concert, for me, was Steve Kilbey's amazing performance of The Disillusionist from 1992. Part cabaret, part sea-shanty, this has to be one of the most raw and exposing musical self-portraits ever written.
This concert is a wonderful celebration of the music of one of Australia's most important and overlooked bands. If you want to become more acquainted with the music of The Church, this concert is a great way to start.