IVOX RADIO Presents ● The Music of The Church

The Church ● Mike’s Artist Management Arista Records 1988 / IVOX MEDIA collection

The Church was formed in Sydney in 1980, known for their atmospheric sound that blends jangly guitars, lush melodies, and introspective lyrics. With a career spanning over four decades, the band has earned a reputation as one of the most influential and enduring acts in alternative and psychedelic rock.

The original lineup featured Steve Kilbey (vocals and bass), Peter Koppes (guitar and vocals), Marty Willson-Piper (guitar and vocals), and Nick Ward (drums), though the lineup evolved over the years. Their early music was heavily inspired by 1960s psychedelic rock, post-punk, and new wave. Their debut album, Of Skins and Heart (1981), included the breakout single “The Unguarded Moment,” which became a hit in Australia and marked the band’s arrival on the music scene.

In the mid-1980s, The Church began to gain international attention with albums such as The Blurred Crusade (1982) and Heyday (1985), which showcased their intricate guitar interplay and Kilbey’s poetic lyrics. Their distinctive style, characterized by shimmering guitars and dreamy soundscapes, set them apart from other bands of the era.

The Church achieved mainstream success with their 1988 album Starfish, which featured the timeless hit “Under the Milky Way.” The song, with its haunting melody and ethereal production, became their most recognizable track and a staple of alternative rock radio. The album also included standout tracks like “Reptile,” further cementing their place in the global music scene.

Subsequent albums, including Gold Afternoon Fix (1990) and Priest=Aura (1992), saw the band exploring more experimental and expansive sounds. While they never replicated the commercial success of Starfish, The Church maintained a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim for their artistic ambition and consistency.

Starfish ● The Church

Starfish is the fifth album by The Church, released in February 1988 by Mushroom Records in Australia and by Arista Records internationally. The band's international breakthrough album, Starfish went gold in America and has remained their most commercially successful release. The album sold 600,000 copies in the United States alone. The first single, "Under the Milky Way", charted on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #24, leading to significant exposure of the then relatively underground Australian act. In Australia "Under the Milky Way" climbed to #22, and Starfish reached #11 on the album charts.

Throughout their career, The Church underwent numerous lineup changes, with Steve Kilbey remaining the constant creative force. Despite these changes, the band has continued to release new material, including Further/Deeper (2014) and The Hypnogogue (2023), demonstrating their ability to evolve while staying true to their signature sound.

With over 25 albums and a legacy defined by innovation and timeless music, The Church remains a beloved and influential band. Their atmospheric sound and introspective lyrics have left an indelible mark on alternative rock, inspiring generations of musicians and fans worldwide.

IVOX RADIO Presents ● “The Music of The Church” today at 5pm hosted by Louie Comella, on ● KWXY Music Radio ● 92.3FM 1340AM ● streaming at kwxy.com and IVOX+ ivoxplus.com