From: Nige, hodgehog@supanet.com
Subject: Amazon.co.uk Reviews of AENT
Date: 2/6/2002 4:22:38 PM
To: Seance Mail List, seance@lists.no-fi.com


Some positive cutomer reviews...

The most satisfying album by THE CHURCH since STARFISH, 30 January, 2002
Reviewer: Eric Greif from Devon, UK
Amazing. Elegant. Atmospheric. Grab the headphones. Yes, this is everything and more that
the fan (or even the uncoverted) could expect, want or need from our fabulous four. For
followers: easily the most together Church album since 1988's Starfish. For those who have
not experienced: otherworldly music for floating through space - psychedelic (yet timely
and fresh). I thought that Hologram of Baal (1998) could not be topped, but The Church
have done it...and it was worth the wait. And now, ladies and gentlemen: The World Tour!

A new blend of their finest qualities, better than ever !, 29 January, 2002
Reviewer: Michael Farrant from Suffolk, UK
When asked to describe the Church, it's hard to answer as each album is different, new
elements emerge, older ones evolve, every time it's a different blend yet always
recognisable as the finest guitar band on the planet.For this album They have given their
'pretty' luscious side a great prominence yet manage to marry it with an effortless
intensifying dynamic shift, both of these variables have been present before but here
they're blended better than ever before. Opener "Numbers", a single abroad, has an
intensity reminiscent of "Ripple" from 92's "Priest = Aura" album, they follow it with a
total contrast in "After Everything" ...just sublime, close your eyes and it will take you
somewhere else - gorgeous guitar and vocal melodies wrapped in a haze of atmospherics -
just awesome. Marty Willson-Piper contributes a lead vocal on the slippery yet spikey
rocker "Chromium", very direct and more up-tempo than the previous tracks. "Radiance" with
it's majestic guitar and vocal melody that just climbs and reaches upwards with chilling
intensity is a haunting absorbing number whilst "Seen It Coming" is surely a contender for
a second single, with it's anthemic uplifting chorus - a real highlight. "Night Friends"
is calmer with piano and a slow tempo it's full of atmosphere and gives Steve Kilbeys soft
vocal prominence as on the closing track "Invisible".
They have over 20 years experience behind them and yes there are reference points to
previous albums but it's fused in a new fresh sound which offers the best of all worlds.
It won't be looked back on as the album where the Church were 'pretty' but not 'heavy' or
'dreamy' and not 'spikey' there's a bit of every classic style but without being cliched
or contrived. They are accessible to first timers - "Seen It Coming" and "Numbers" would
sit comfortabley on U2, Oasis or anybody elses albums and would pleasantly surprise any
fan of rock or indie music, elsewhere the tracks such as "After Everything" and "Radiance"
have a depth that is so rewarding you'll wonder how you ever missed their previous albums.
Spread the word, this is a very special album by a very special band, their twin guitars,
melodic bass, sing-speak vocals and imaginative percussion have never gelled so smoothly
as this.