Brand new duo from Perth, CHURCH GROUP, deliver their debut release - five tracks of electronic cold wave. This tape bleeds cynicism executed through alternating male and female vocals which complement one another amidst electronically generated melodies. Befitting of the genre, these tracks are cold and discomforting but also catchy as hell. In the vein of acts such as OPPENHEIMER ANALYSIS, SNOWY RED and early HUMAN LEAGUE, CHURCH GROUP keep it dark and haunting the whole way through, however, they also draw inspiration from their punk roots which gives these tracks a particular rawness. Chris and Caitie have done time in acts, including NERVE QUAKES, STRUCTURE, GAFFER and DiE. Here they turn the wheel in a slightly different direction. Grim tunes for a grim world.Our take: Australia’s Helta Skelta Records brings us this cassette from Church Group, a new synth duo from the label’s hometown of Perth. Church Group has a sparse, minimal sound that reminds me of the early Human League records, where primitive sequenced beats provide a backdrop for intertwining synth lines that course through the mix like lonely spacecraft through the vast expanse. While the instrumental tracks are spacious and minimal, the vocals are expressive, even soulful, creating a dynamic contrast. It’s a solid formula for the first two tracks—“Joined” is particularly strong—but on the third song a second vocalist with a different sound enters the fray and ratchets the dynamism up another notch. While the music is unassuming by design, strong songwriting and vocal performances elevate this above the crowd of bedroom synth projects.
