Church of the Sea – Eva

21/05/2025

The Greek threesome of Church of the Sea consists of vocalist Irene alongside Vangelis- no not that Vangelis- on guitars with synths and samples provided by Alex Bolpasis.

‘Eva’ is the band’s sophomore album after the ‘Anywhere but Desert’ EP and their debut full length ‘Odalisque’.

As you might have suspected, the concept behind the new album is a retelling of the biblical story of Eve and the Garden of Eden. Instead of focusing on the tale of original sin, it is rather an act of rebellion.

It is a very laidback record that drifts on spheres more than anything else. Every song feels very ethereal. Irene’s vocals stake the center stage, performing a shadow play in front of a wall of hazy, hissing guitar noise that recalls the shoegaze of My Bloody Valentine. More than once, I am reminded of the brooding introspections from Chelsea Wolfe or even Darkher, which I intend to be a compliment, not to say they’re just trying to be a copycat or anything.

This collection of seven songs has a dreamy, otherworldly quality not unlike what Lisa Gerard has accomplished with Brendan Perry in Dead Can Dance way back in the eighties.