Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Saturday 7 December 2024. Hindley St Music Hall, Adelaide, SA
Pioneering Australian favourites, The Church, hit the road for their Already Yesterday tour which saw them perform in theatres and venues across the country and they wrapped it all up in Adelaide last night (Saturday 7 December 2024). Music lovers have been under their spell since their debut album in 1981. They continued to weave their magic on us…
When iconic Australian band The Church took the stage (to great applaud), they took us on an almost three hour experience through decades of rich, atmospheric music. The night proved to be an unforgettable evening, celebrating both the band’s storied past and their ongoing artistic brilliance. I was in awe of their energy.
A Celebration of Vinyl and Vision
The Already Yesterday’ tour wasn’t just a series of gigs though – it was a tribute to The Church’s early years. With the re-release of their first four albums – Of Skins & Heart, The Blurred Crusade, Séance, and Heyday – on stunning coloured purple vinyl (I purchased it last night from the merch desk and been playing today while writing this), fans have been gifted a fresh opportunity to explore these foundational works. These records capture the band’s early experimentation with lush, jangly guitars and poetic lyrics, setting the stage for their enduring legacy.
Adelaide was the perfect place for this celebration to wrap up too, with Hindley Street Music Hall providing the space for us with Steve Kilbey noting how exceptional the venue is. The venue, known for its excellent acoustics and stylish ambiance, was an ideal match for The Church’s ethereal soundscapes.
The Setlist
The evening kicked off at 7:30 pm when the hall’s doors opened, and the audience were keen. Half seated, half standing the crowd were buzzing for it. Fans, ranging from longtime devotees to curious newcomers, eagerly anticipated a musical odyssey. By 8:30 pm, the band took the stage for the first of two sets.
The Church delivered an excellent selection of songs kicking it all off with ‘When You Were Mine’, then balancing deep cuts with fan favourites. Highlights included: Their breakout hit ‘The Unguarded Moment, the timeless classic ‘Almost With You’ and a massive ‘Electric Lash’ that drew raptuous appluase.
The band’s chemistry was insane, with frontman Steve Kilbey’s haunting vocals weaving seamlessly with intricate guitar work. Their signature dreamy atmospherics were heightened by impeccable sound mixing, creating a transcendent live experience.
A Second Set That Soared
After a brief intermission, The Church returned to the stage for their second set, diving deeper into their catalog. This portion of the concert offered a more experimental edge, featuring extended instrumental jams and moments of improvisation.
The highlight of the second act was an emotional rendition of ‘Tantalized’, a fan favourite from Heyday. Kilbey took a moment to reflect on the band’s journey, expressing gratitude for their loyal audience and the enduring power of music.
The Verdict
The Church’s performance at Hindley Street Music Hall was magnificent. My first time seeing them I was impressed. For longtime fans, it was a walk down memory lane, while for newer listeners, it was a captivating introduction to one of Australia’s most beloved bands who don’t appear to be going anywhere just yet.
The re-release of their early albums and the thoughtful construction of their setlist made this concert feel both nostalgic and forward-looking.
Sadly the tour is over. But, fingers crossed these guys are gonna be back again soon. If you have the chance go! A great night of exceptional musicianship and song. Now, to go and flip the vinyl.
Check out our Photo Gallery of the performance here!
