REVIEW: Church, Magician Among The Spirits Plus Some (Thirsty Ear)
- Joann D. Ball
Reunited and reinvigorated, The Church made a triumphant Stateside return with the brilliant Hologram of Baal several months ago. The interest generated by that record and subsequent sold-out tour is particularly noteworthy because it paved the way for the American release of an essential volume in the band's impressive catalog.
Magician Among The Spirits Plus Some was the first record to feature the reunited trio of principle members Steve Kilbey, Marty Wilson-Piper and Peter Koppes and their musical union with newcomer Tim Powles. The record's name stems from the fact that it is an expanded version of an album originally released in the band's native Australia in 1996. In its repackaged form, the record includes four additional tracks (Man," "Sads," "Won't Let You Sleep" and "Why Don't You Love Me") that were only available as bonus tracks on the single for the jangly guitar power-pop track "Comedown."
Running almost 80 minutes and with all of its pieces intact, the CD contains those signature elements one expects from The Church. Kilbey's lyrics and the instrumentation are first-rate, and the songs range from the hauntingly mysterious track ("Welcome") to trippy psychedelica ("Could Be Anyone"). There's also an ambient excursion (the title track) and an atmospheric, 14-minute sonic journey ("Grandiose"). Overall, the 13 tracks that comprise Magician Among The Spirits Plus Some exemplify the band's refined and magnificent art rock, making this prequel to Hologram of Baal a must for Church fans old and new.
