The Church - Beyond the Milky Way

The Church - Beyond the Milky Way

Author: ITMW Music January 4, 2026 Duration: 41:21

After The Church formed in Sydney in 1980, the band would begin to develop a distinctive ethereal and psychedelic indie rock sound with atmospheric and surreal soundscapes. 

The Church released their debut album in 1981, Of Skins and Heart, followed by a number of excellent albums including The Blurred Crusade and Heyday. It would be with the fifth studio album, 1988's Starfish with the hit song "Under the Milky Way", that the band would experience their most success on their way to being one of the most accomplished Australian bands from the post-punk era.

Behind lead singer and bassist Steve Kilbey, The Church's  music over the years has ventured through various sounds and genre influences. During the 80’s, they were one of those bands that did not get the attention or notoriety they deserved for their music. Still recording and touring today, the band built a large international following while creating 27 studio albums over their career and has become one of the great alternative bands of the 80’s and beyond.

This episode will tell the story of The Church from their formation and early years, and through through the 80's and into the 90's beyond the song "Under the Milky Way", a song whose title was the idea behind my title of this podcast series.


Journey back to the heart of the 1980s alternative music explosion with Inside the Milky Way-A Look at Early Alternative Music. This podcast digs deep into the fertile ground that gave rise to post-punk, dark wave, synth-pop, industrial, and the foundational indie scenes. Each episode is a curated exploration, weaving together the stories of iconic and overlooked artists, the influential contributors behind the scenes, and the seminal tracks that defined a generation. We discuss the cultural themes and pivotal events that shaped this transformative era, from underground clubs to breakthrough moments on the charts. The show’s title, inspired by The Church’s 1988 classic "Under the Milky Way," reflects our focus on the dreamy, introspective, and often gritty soundscapes that characterized the time. Listen for a rich blend of music history, critical discussion, and personal reflection on the bands and movements that refused to follow the mainstream. Inside the Milky Way is more than a retrospective; it’s an immersive audio experience for dedicated fans and curious newcomers alike, offering context and connection to the music that built a lasting alternative culture. Tune in to hear the stories behind the sounds.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Inside the Milky Way - A Look at Early Alternative Music
Podcast Episodes
Alphaville - Forever Gold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:41
The German band Alphaville formed in 1982 and built their music and sound around synthesizers, drum machines, and layered electronic keyboards becoming one of the great synth-pop bands from the era.The band was co-founde…
Cocteau Twins II - The Road to Heaven or Las Vegas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:04
In the time after their 1984 album Treasure, Cocteau twins continued to evolve from their early atmospheric and dark post-punk music to pioneer ethereal wave and dream pop. This culminated with the masterpiece 1990 album…
The Mekons - Post-Punk Country [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:43
The Mekons arrived during the late 70's UK post-punk scene and still perform today as one of the longest running artists from this era. The band never achieved mainstream commercial success, but has consistently received…
The Cult - Origins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:22
The Cult formed in 1983, behind vocalist Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy. Initially known as Death Cult before changing their name in early 1984, this English band would establish a following with their post-punk a…
The Stranglers - The Men in Black [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:41
After starting on the pub rock scene in England, the core line-up of The Stranglers would form in 1975, and they would release their debut album in 1977 during the British punk explosion. During the band's early years, t…
The Motels - Out of Los Angeles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:39
Originally from Berkeley, California as the Warfield Foxes, this band relocated to Los Angeles in the mid-70’s and became The Motels. During the late 70's in L.A., The Motels became a vital part of the club circuit that…
The Feelies - Crazy Indie Rhythms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:14
Originating from Haledon, New Jersey in 1976, The Feelies would play a post-punk, indie rock, jangle pop style of music. By 1980, The Feelies had become one of the more unique bands from the New York City underground mus…
Siouxsie and the Banshees II - The John McGeoch Years [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:39
In late 1979 following their second album, two members of Siouxsie and the Banshees departed the band leaving them without a drummer and guitarist. By early 1980, the band had added drummer Budgie and guitarist John McGe…
Radiohead - Through The Bends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:12
The genre-defying band Radiohead was initially considered as just another alternative rock and grunge act as their debut single "Creep" from their debut album, Pablo Honey, became a global hit in 1993. Radiohead's music…
The Birthday Party - More than the Boys Next Door [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:58
The Birthday Party was an abrasive and chaotic band that mixed blues, free-jazz, and rockabilly to form a unique style of post-punk music.Initially named The Boys Next Door when formed in Australia in 1977, the band woul…