Seance

Released in 1983, Seance represents a significant stylistic shift for The Church, moving away from the neo-psychedelic jangle of The Blurred Crusade toward a darker, more keyboard-driven post-punk sound. Produced by the band with engineer Nick Launay, the album is historically noted for its divisive production, specifically the heavy use of gated reverb on the drums which the band famously disliked. Despite this friction, the record is a vital link in their evolution, introducing the atmospheric, 'midnight' aesthetic that would become their hallmark. Most of the tracks were penned solely by Steve Kilbey, showcasing a move toward more abstract and surreal lyrical themes. The inclusion of 'Travel By Thought' highlights an experimental streak that prefigures their later improvised works. While it was a commercial step back in their native Australia, it has since become a cult favorite, praised for its cohesive, brooding mood and textural depth.