The Hypnogogue
EASY ACTION
'The Hypnogogue' is the twenty-sixth album from Sydney goths The Church, still in 1981 or their near-hit Under eight years later. Along the way, leader and sole constant Steve Kilbey has tussled with heroin, written poetry and painted, in addition to running The Church and having a solo career. This latest album finds him close to the top of his game. As ever, his vocals are way back in the mix, but beyond the noodly Succulent his tendency to embrace meandering murkiness has been cast aside in favour of hypnotic throb on the standout or a covert near-pop pulse on atmospheric opener , while is unusually gentle and none the worse for it. The best bands have the capacity to surprise even after decades at the coal face. That The Church remain so vigorous and vibrant is a delightful surprise indeed.
