The Church, which plays Bilheimer Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, Florida on Oct. 19, 2023. Credit: Photo via thechurch_band/Instagram

Formed in 1980 in Sydney, Australia, The Church boasts that classic ‘80s new wave charm that most folks associate with bands like Echo & the Bunnymen, The Cure and The Psychedelic Furs (who just played the same Clearwater venue just a few months ago). The band’s recent performance at 2022’s Cruel World Festival alongside heavy hitters Blondie, Bauhaus and Morrissey helped bring The Church out of 20th century nostalgia—landing it right in front of Tampa Bay fans this week.

The Aussie group has been steadily releasing albums since the early ‘80s despite original members coming and going, and its most recent release, 2023’s The Hypnogogue, was lauded by critics and described by PopMatters as “another stunning record,” full of psychedelic jams and shimmering riffs. While we’re excited to hear the newer singles The Church has to offer, we hope its most popular hymns like “Under the Milky Way” and “Reptile” off of the 1988 album Starfish are on the setlist, too.

Tickets to see The Church play Clearwater’s Bilheimer Capitol Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 19 are still available, and start at $34.50.