SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: CHURCH OF TREES – THIEF OF JOY

CHURCH OF TREES
THIEF OF JOY
INDEPENDENT

Church Of Trees, the brainchild of multi-talented Bernard Frazer, burst on the scene in 2017 with their debut EP, Primitive Creatures. Since then, they have released five albums and a retrospective compilation making Thief Of Joy their sixth full-length album. It is their first since 2024’s brilliant Transience. And once again, Frazer knocks it out of the park, with the strongest and best Church Of Trees album to date. In many ways, Thief Of Joy feels and sounds like a band performing in the studio, most likely because that is what he did for this album. This brings a whole new dimension to the already strong sound Frazer has created over the years.

Joining Frazer for this album are long-time contributors, Jordon Zadorozny (Blinker the Star, Courtney Love) and Stella Panacci. New additions to the band, and who appear on the album are Nicholas Carriere (guitar and backing vocals) and Gordon McLaughlin (drums). Frazer does take lead vocals on several tracks, and his voice is quite powerful and emotional. Panacci’s vocals throughout the album, either being centre stage or providing astounding harmonies (Panacci and Frazer vocals mix together perfectly in songs like “Mystery Boys”) are simply astounding. She brings a lot of her personality to Frazer’s words (Frazer writes the songs).

Thief Of Joy is the sound of a band with a singular vision, and as such have come together to produce an album that not only demands your attention but deserves it. Frazer is an incredibly talented writer/producer/arranger and musician that has honed his songwriting skills. Although one can hear his influences weaving throughout the album, in the end it is pure Church Of Trees. On Thief of Joy, the band cuts loose and has created one of the best albums of 2025.

This is not an electronic dance music album, Yes, some of the songs will beg to be heard in a dance club, but Frazer incorporates elements of prog (“Beyond The Stars”, a fantastic instrumental), goth (“The Likes Of Us”), indie rock (“The Angry Sky”) and even a taste of ska (“Going Nowhere”). This is not to say that these songs have exact styles, but what Frazer and his band do is weave these genres throughout the specific songs. The guitar work in “The Angry Sky” set against the heavy rhythm is breathtaking. Panacci’s vocals on top of the layered music is absolutely brilliant. “Say No To Liars” dips its toes in 1980s electronica, but again, there are just hints, not a copy. The fact that Mark Plati, who had worked with David Bowie for many years, adds his mixing magic to the song. The song is melodic and is instantly accessible. The lyrics are quite stirring as well.

Thief Of Joy is an album that is best enjoyed as an album. From the wonderful, soulful opening track “Strange Life” (featuring incredible vocals from Panacci) through to the closing instrumental and moody “Beyond The Stars”, the album takes the listener on a multi-layered trip of sound and songs. Frazer writes incredible melodies, and the band has taken these melodies and turned them into epic rock songs. With the band playing, Frazer has elevated the sound and feel of the album. Each Church Of Trees album has shown a progression, Thief Of Joy is a huge leap forward.

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