Sometimes, when the night’s quiet, someone requests “Under the Milky Way” and the whole station seems to slow down. The Church made that kind of music: shimmering, mysterious and built to drift.
Sydney’s dreamers
Steve Kilbey formed the Church in Sydney in 1980. “The Unguarded Moment” (1981) was their first Australian hit. Their chiming 12-string guitars and psychedelic edge grew on each album, and Starfish (1988) gave them their international breakthrough with “Under the Milky Way”, a US hit.
Is The Church new wave?
Yes. The Church are an Australian new wave and alternative rock band. Their jangling, atmospheric guitars grew from the post-punk and new wave scene, and “Under the Milky Way” is a staple of late-’80s new wave radio.
The essential Church
- “The Unguarded Moment” (1981)
- “Almost with You” (1982)
- “Reptile” (1988)
- “Under the Milky Way” (1988)
The Church today
Kilbey still leads the band on record and on tour. After four decades on the road, he has said American audiences have always mattered a great deal to the Church. Tour dates: thechurchband.net/shows.
Hear The Church on New Wave Radio
They’re a regular on the Australian New Wave 80s Hour.
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