The Church – Magician Among The Spirits – Compact Disc

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The Church – Magician Among The Spirits – Compact Disc

The Church’s Magician Among the Spirits, released in 1996, is the ninth studio album by the Australian rock band. Known for their ethereal sound and atmospheric songwriting, The Church had already established themselves as one of the leading alternative rock bands of the 1980s and early 1990s with hits like ‘Under the Milky Way’ and albums such as Starfish (1988) and Gold Afternoon Fix (1990).

By the mid-1990s, The Church was going through a period of transition. Founding member and guitarist Peter Koppes had left the band after the release of Sometime Anywhere in 1994, leaving the remaining members—Steve Kilbey (vocals, bass), Marty Willson-Piper (guitar), and Tim Powles (drums)—to carry on as a trio. Despite the lineup change, Magician Among the Spirits saw the band continuing to explore their signature sound, blending atmospheric rock with psychedelic influences.

The Church’s 1996 album, Magician Among The Spirits, marked the return of original guitarist Peter Koppes, who had left the band four years earlier. This album was originally released on the band’s own record label and then reissued in 1999, under the title MAGICIAN AMONG THE SPIRITS AND THEN SOME, with an altered track list. ‘Ritz,’ an ethereal, mostly acoustic cover of a Steve Harvey song, was replaced by four originals, ‘Man,’ ‘Won’t Let You Sleep,’ ‘Sads,’ and ‘Why Don’t You Love Me.’

Standouts include ‘Comedown,’ a lively track complete with Marty Willson-Piper’s trademark ringing guitars, ‘Grandiose,’ a soaring instrumental featuring the addition of a violin to the band’s lush sound, and the creepy and cryptic ‘It Could Be Anyone,’ which is overlaid with various forms of disorienting distortion. Arguably the best song, however, is the glacially paced title track, a 14-minute long, ambient-influenced excursion about Houdini. The Church really set themselves apart from their contemporaries here, fully stretching their boundaries without sinking into self-indulgence. A uniformly excellent record, MAGICIAN AMONG THE SPIRITS is a fine introduction to an impressive catalogue.

The album’s title is inspired by a book about the famous magician Harry Houdini, who was also known for his interest in spiritualism and his efforts to debunk fraudulent mediums. This theme of mysticism and the supernatural is reflected in the album’s lyrics and overall mood.

Magician Among the Spirits continues The Church’s tradition of creating lush, atmospheric music, but it also incorporates more experimental elements, including longer, more meditative tracks that emphasize mood over melody. The album is characterized by its dreamy soundscapes, intricate guitar work, and introspective lyrics.

The album features expansive, layered guitar sounds, creating a rich, immersive atmosphere. The Church’s use of reverb and delay effects adds to the dreamlike quality of the music. There are clear psychedelic influences on the album, with some tracks featuring extended instrumental passages, unconventional song structures, and a focus on creating a specific mood or feeling rather than adhering to traditional pop or rock formats. The lyrics on Magician Among the Spirits are often abstract and poetic, touching on themes of spirituality, mysticism, and existential reflection. Steve Kilbey’s distinctive voice and delivery enhance the introspective and enigmatic nature of the lyrics.

Key Tracks:

‘Welcome’: The opening track sets the tone for the album with its moody, slow-burning atmosphere. The song features swirling guitars and Kilbey’s introspective lyrics, creating a sense of anticipation and mystery.

‘Comedown’: One of the more accessible tracks on the album, ‘Comedown’ has a catchy, melancholic melody and is driven by Willson-Piper’s jangly guitar work. The song’s introspective lyrics deal with themes of regret and reflection.

‘Magician Among the Spirits’: The title track is an epic, nearly 15-minute composition that exemplifies the band’s more experimental side. The song weaves together various musical ideas, including ambient soundscapes, spoken word sections, and hypnotic guitar riffs, creating a haunting, otherworldly atmosphere.

‘Grandiose’: This track is more upbeat and features a prominent bassline and shimmering guitars. The lyrics are characteristically enigmatic, with Kilbey delivering them in his signature dreamy style.

‘Afterimage’: A more reflective, quieter track, ‘Afterimage’ closes the album on a contemplative note. The song’s sparse arrangement and introspective lyrics provide a fitting conclusion to the album’s exploration of mystical and existential themes.

Magician Among the Spirits received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its ambitious, experimental approach, while others found it less accessible than the band’s earlier work. However, the album has since gained appreciation among fans for its depth and the way it encapsulates The Church’s ability to create immersive, atmospheric music.

The album represents a pivotal moment in The Church’s career, showcasing their willingness to evolve and experiment with their sound, even as they faced lineup changes and the challenges of remaining relevant in the shifting musical landscape of the 1990s.

For fans of The Church, Magician Among the Spirits is a significant album that highlights the band’s continued artistic growth and commitment to their craft. Its blend of atmospheric rock and psychedelic experimentation makes it a rewarding listen for those who appreciate music that challenges conventional boundaries and explores deeper, more introspective themes.

Mushroom Records

Austrialian Import Version

Original Version

The Church includes: Steve Kilby, Marty Wilson-Piper, Peter Koppes.

Track Listing
1. Welcome
2. Comedown
3. Ritz
4. Grandoise
5. Ladyboy
6. It Could Be Anyone
7. The Further Adventures Of The Time Being
8. Romany Caravan
9. Magician Among The Spirits
10. Afterimage