By all that's holy

Capital letter-eschewing psychedelic combo the church were one band I never expected to see live. Not to mention this is a band that by many accounts has consumed a remarkable amount of drugs over its near 30-year career. But perhaps I'm too surprised that Australian bands make it all the way from the antipodes to play. After all, we had Radio Birdman here a couple of years ago (to say nothing of lesser known acts like Paul Kelly and Mia Dyson). And the church has kept pretty busy over its lifespan with a slew of albums (about 23 by now, I calculate), including a well-received 2009 effort, Untitled #23. All of which is to say the veteran outfit treated the audience to a well-prepared serving of psychedelic swirl.

Peter Koppes gives a wink. Or maybe it's just the setting sun.



Steve Kilbey goes for the well-trimmed beard.



Marty Wilson-Piper does not.



Singalong action!



Not to mention drummer Tim Powles.



Rhythm section action!



Koppes handles some axe ... and I believe that's occasional Adam Franklin associate Craig Wilson on keyboards he's obscuring.



Is everything working? The church's stage manager had a fun time making sure no one got electrocuted thanks to pre-gig rainshowers.



Unobscured Craig!



Marty rocks out some more.



Twelve-string action!



Steve goes down.



Peter sings!



Steve's acoustic guitar may have seen better days.



Marty takes a spin on bass.



A really hot set.

• Show reminder: Garaga, The Visitors and Mississippi Grover rock the Dominion; Evil Farm Children and the Outbred Inlaws play Irene's. Jonas and Becky Abbot are at Zaphod Beeblebrox. The Hammerheads get funky at The Rainbow. I quite forgot in yesterday's "reminder" to mention that this year's edition of the O-Town Hoedown is underway, with local country rockers and assorted kissing cousins playing gigs across town - tonight it's The Bible All Stars, Chistian D and The Hangovers and The Devillaires at the Elmdale House. Chloe Charles and Trevor Campbell perform at the Avant-Garde Bar. The Soul Jazz Orchestra play Babylon.