What makes Untitled #23 by The Church notable?

The album received positive critical acclaim, with particular praise for its cohesiveness and depth, representing a successful return after several years of relative inactivity. It was noted for its exploration of themes like existentialism and introspection, contributing to The Church's enduring reputation within the Australian music scene and beyond. By the time of its release in 2009, The Church had already established themselves as a significant force in alternative rock since their debut in 1980. 'Untitled #23' marked their first studio album in six years, following the 2003's 'Forget Yourself', and showcased a matured sound that reflected both their longevity and artistic evolution.

Who is Untitled #23 for?

Untitled #23 works well if you're into introspective exploration of sound, gradual build to emotional climax and ethereal melodies for deep focus.

How many songs are on Untitled #23?

Untitled #23 has 13 tracks, running approximately 77 minutes.

Untitled #23

The Church · 2009

77 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a haunting yet tranquil journey through the human experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cobalt Blue — This opening track sets the tone with atmospheric guitars and haunting vocals, encapsulating the album's blend of melancholy and beauty.
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Anchorage — A standout piece that features layered instrumentation and reflective lyrics, it exemplifies the band's capability to craft immersive musical landscapes.
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So Love May Find Us — Clocking in at nearly eighteen minutes, this sprawling finale serves as an emotional climax, weaving together themes of love and loss with expansive arrangements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics create a cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks incorporate layered guitar effects that create a dense, atmospheric soundscape, particularly in 'Pangaea' and 'Sunken Sun'.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

introspective exploration of sound
gradual build to emotional climax
ethereal melodies for deep focus
extended finale that captivates

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Successful return after inactivity, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
Career context: By the time of its release in 2009, The Church had already established themselves as a significant force in alternative rock since their debut in 1980. 'Untitled #23' marked their first studio album in six years, following the 2003's 'Forget Yourself', and showcased a matured sound that reflected both their longevity and artistic evolution.
Stylistic neighbors: The Chameleons· Echo & the Bunnymen· The Psychedelic Furs