OF SKINS AND HEART [AKA: THE CHURCH]

If you're not looking for anything really in depth, or musically challenging to listen to then I'd recommend "Of Skins and Heart", The first album by this dynamic Australian progressive related rock band. It is obvious after one listen that The Church has taken influence from David Bowie, this is not only evident by the music it's self, but also the song titles are in a very David Bowie style. Some of the band's other influences are U2, The Beatles, Pink Floyd and the music scene around them, yes, The Church were quite a 80's sounding band most of the time for their first few albums but they gradually lost this trait and lost their aspirations for best-selling hits.

Never the less The Church had the charts in mind when they created "Of Skins and Heart", and they didn't fail as their single of "The Unguarded Moment" shot to number 1 on the Australian singles chart and is regarded by many music critics as being of the best singles by an Australian band during the 80's. Although carrying a 80's sound, The Church's music is subtly different to that of other 80's pop bands. The Church's music even at this early point of their career their music had a progressive touch to it brought upon by textured atmospheres created by guitars and keyboards.

This style of atmosphere is most visible in "Is This Where You Live", it also incorporates some psychedelic influences, healthy song length and a reasonable guitar solo which makes it the best song on the album as far as I'm concerned. "Of Skins and Heart" is the type of album that grows on you gradually, after a first listen you may, like me render in complete and utter garbage, then one day on a strange impulse you'll listen to it and after several listens will continue to grow on you. While not as in depth or as impressive as their later pop based albums like 'Séance' or 'Starfish,' "Of Skins and Heart" is really worth getting if you're wondering what to purchase. Everything on "Of Skins and Heart" is generally at an okay three star level, with some songs being a little better or worse.

1.For a Moment We're Strangers (3/5) 2.Chrome Injury (3/5) 3.The Unguarded Moment (3/5) 4.Memories in Future Tense (2.5/5) 5.Bel-Air (3/5) 6.Is This Where You Live (3.5/5) 7.She Never Said (2.5/5) 8.Fighter Pilot (3/5) 9.Don't Open the Door to Strangers (3/5) Total = 26.5 divided by 9 (number of Songs) = 2.94444 = 3 stars Good, but non-essential

So, as I said earlier a good, enjoyable listen which overall is user-friendly to all people who aren't familiar with progressive rock. I'd recommend "Of Skins and Heart" to anyone who wants to start exploring a unique band whose career is an journey to follow. This is one great thing about The Church, exploring their music is like an adventure, trust me, start the voyage.