The Church
The Glass House
October 4, 2023
POMONA, CA
By DAN MACINTOSH
The Church is touring behind one of its best albums, The Hypnogogue, and brought a healthy selection of that record’s songs to this midweek show in Pomona. The five-piece group’s set was divided into two lengthy sets, making for an extra long evening with one of the best contemporary psychedelic-leaning acts.
The Hypnogogue is a concept album built around a futuristic popstar. Singer/vocalist/songwriter/bassist (and original member) Steve Kilbey introduced many of the performed songs, sometimes quite humorously. For example, he mentioned how he hates the oldie “The Unguarded Moment,” even though one of his aunts once told him it’s the best thing he’s ever done. Highlights from the new record included the jangly “C’est La Vie,” the gentle “Flickering Lights,” the acoustic “Albert Ross” and the romantic (a rare Church love song) “No Other You.”
It almost goes without saying that The Church is a guitar-oriented band. At times, three of its members were playing guitar, with each adding different textures to the overall sound. With The Hypnogogue’s title track, for instance, this configuration created a swirling, psychedelic sound that was simply captivating. Kilbey sings the band’s songs in a fragile sounding voice, which is nevertheless authoritative.
In addition to the new music, the group also played favorites from its popular album Starfish, which included “Hotel Womb,” the echoey “Reptile,” and — of course — “Under The Milky Way.” The latter inclusion had a pair of patrons dancing to this alt rock hit with obvious nostalgic joy.
Thankfully, The Church has continued to create new music and remain relevant, rather than joining the ’80s act’s touring circuit. Kilbey is just too restlessly creative for that. So, while many may have attended tonight’s show to experience the act’s few radio songs live, it appeared as though many more knew the songs from the new album, as well as the many deep cuts performed. Much like the group’s latest release, The Church is still squarely focused on the future.
