Australian post-punk legends The Church are marking over forty years of musical innovation by announcing 25 additional U.S. tour dates this fall, along with a deluxe edition of their 26th studio album. Initially launched in February, this enhanced version of The Hypnogogue is set for release on September 22, 2023, through Communicating Vessels.
In anticipation of this release, The Church gives fans an early taste of the deluxe album’s extra content with their latest single, “Realm of Minor Angels.” This track is a testament to The Church’s dynamic and evolving sound, characterized by their signature dream-like and ethereal harmonies.
The lyrics of the song take listeners on a deep dive into themes of love, yearning, and the pain of loss. With imagery of autumn leaves and well-known meeting places, the song weaves stories of ephemeral yet impactful moments. The use of “cards and envelopes” as motifs, alongside suggestions of dishonesty, tells a story of misunderstanding and treachery. This reflective piece on bygone shared experiences conjures up the essence of artists like Scott Walker, the Beach Boys, and Jim Croce, merging heartfelt emotion with a hint of sarcasm amid striking key changes and glowing musical intermissions.