Album Info
| Artist: | The Church |
| Album: | Of Skins And Heart |
| Released: | Australia, 13 Apr 1981 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | For A Moment We're Strangers | 3:52 |
| Written-By - S. Kilbey | ||
| A2 | Chrome Injury | 4:02 |
| Written-By - S. Kilbey | ||
| A3 | The Unguarded Moment | 4:17 |
| Written-By - Parker, Kilbey | ||
| A4 | Memories In Future Tense | 4:44 |
| Written-By - S. Kilbey | ||
| A5 | Bel-Air | 3:56 |
| Written-By - S. Kilbey | ||
| B1 | Is This Where You Live | 7:38 |
| Written-By - S. Kilbey | ||
| B2 | She Never Said | 3:16 |
| Written-By - S. Kilbey | ||
| B3 | Fighter Pilot...Korean War | 4:23 |
| Written-By - S. Kilbey | ||
| B4 | Don't Open The Door To Strangers | 3:24 |
| Written-By - Willson-Piper, Kilbey |
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Description
"The Church - Of Skins and Heart" Album Review
Released in April 1981, "Of Skins and Heart" is the debut album by Australian rock band The Church. This album marked the beginning of a long and influential career for the band, which would go on to become one of the most enduring and respected acts in the alternative rock and neo-psychedelia genres.
**Historical and Cultural Significance**
"Of Skins and Heart" holds a significant place in the history of Australian rock music. Emerging from the post-punk scene, The Church brought a unique blend of jangly guitars, atmospheric soundscapes, and introspective lyrics that set them apart from their contemporaries. The album's release came at a time when the Australian music scene was burgeoning with new talent, and The Church quickly established themselves as a band with a distinct sound and vision.
**Standout Tracks**
The album features several standout tracks that have become staples in The Church's live performances and fan favorites. The opening track, "For a Moment We're Strangers," sets the tone with its driving rhythm and shimmering guitar work. However, it is the second track, "The Unguarded Moment," that truly stands out. Written by lead vocalist and bassist Steve Kilbey and guitarist Marty Willson-Piper, "The Unguarded Moment" became the band's first major hit, reaching the Top 40 in Australia. Its catchy melody, haunting lyrics, and memorable guitar riff make it a quintessential Church song.
Another notable track is "Bel-Air," which showcases the band's ability to create lush, atmospheric soundscapes. The song's dreamy quality and intricate guitar interplay highlight the band's musical prowess and hint at the more expansive sound they would develop in later albums.
**Critical Reception**
Upon its release, "Of Skins and Heart" received positive reviews from critics, who praised the band's songwriting and musicianship. The album was noted for its cohesive sound and the way it blended elements of rock, post-punk, and psychedelia. Critics also highlighted Steve Kilbey's distinctive voice and the interplay between the guitars of Peter Koppes and Marty Willson-Piper as key strengths of the album.
In the years since its release, "Of Skins and Heart" has been re-evaluated and is often cited as a classic of the early 1980s alternative rock scene. It is seen as a foundational album that helped to establish The Church's reputation and set the stage for their subsequent releases.
**Awards**
While "Of Skins and Heart" did not win any major awards upon its release, its impact and legacy have been recognized in various ways over the years. The Church themselves have received numerous accolades throughout their career, including being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2010, which acknowledges their significant contribution to the Australian music industry.
**Conclusion**
"Of Skins and Heart" is a remarkable debut album that introduced the world to The Church's unique sound and vision. With standout tracks like "The Unguarded Moment" and "Bel-Air," the album showcases the band's ability to craft memorable melodies and atmospheric soundscapes. Its positive critical reception and enduring legacy make it a significant release in the history of alternative rock. For fans of The Church and those interested in the evolution of the Australian music scene, "Of Skins and Heart" is an essential listen that captures the early promise of a band that would go on to achieve great things.
