SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE CHURCH – LACUNA

THE CHURCH
LACUNA
COOKING VINYL

Lacuna is album number 28 for The Church, their first since 2023’s The Hypnogogue and its 2024 continuation, Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars. Both of the albums were part of the same concept. With Lacuna, the band has moved on to other territories. While it may not be part of that concept, it does have its own themes, of exploring hope, dreams, and spirituality. Musically, this album is pure Church. A heavy rhythm section and those flowing, almost dream like guitars. Lacuna is a very intense, yet very relaxing album. It is also very much full of bliss. The Church sails away on their music and brings the audience with them.

Songs such as “Sky River” are arranged beautifully with vocals layering and providing harmony and a foundation for Steve Kilby’s unmistakable voice. “Winter”, another standout song on the album, is more of what one would expect from The Church, but the band elevates their sound and adds such an incredible melody and lyrics that it is almost otherworldly. The song is not happy, but extremely well written. And the same could be said for “Have You Been Here Before” that is just so very melodic and powerful, even before the vocals come in.

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Lacuna was recorded in Texas, but that does not mean The Church has gone Americana. But at the same time, the locale in which they recorded does seep into the album. Titles such as “Western,” “Sky and Hill,” and even “Paladin” may give the appearance of the band. In reality these songs are far from ‘country.’ They are psychedelic, fascinating excursions into sonic, off kilter but beautiful landscapes for the listener.

A new album from The Church is always worth celebrating. In the case of Lacuna, there is even more to celebrate. It is a very strong album that really is best listened to in one sitting, allowing The Church to create their own world for the listener. But then, the same could be said for the majority of their albums. It holds together both lyrically and musically and it seems an incredible achievement that the band can create such new and original music, within their own sound. They do this and succeed. Simply put, Lacuna is a wonderful album.

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