Hologram of Baal
Hologram of Baalrepresents a stunning comeback album for Australia's Church, who've been virtually silent since 1994'sSometime Anywhere. In the tradition of past classics such asStarfishandPriest = Aura,Baalboasts an expansive, ambient production; lovely guitar layering; and singer Steve Kilbey's hushed, poetic delivery. Tracks such as "The Great Machine" balance the chiming acoustic and electric guitars of Peter Koppes and Marty Willson-Piper with canyon-size reverb and cryptic lyrics, a formula for mystique rock that the Church have never abandoned. The up-tempo "No Certainty Attached" and the spare, angular "Buffalo" show new sides to the band, who, after numerous label mishaps and near hits, are in excellent form.--James Rotondi