Perhaps this is a little late for a review, and after having a quick perusal of some of the other reviews here, very impressed and overawed, though I immediatly feel very intimidated as I know diddly-squat compared to many of you, which in this way (oblivious to ten years of releases) is how I have been introduced to U23, after not having listened to any Church albums since about HOB.

I am currently remedying the situation, enjoying getting into FY, AENT, ULTC, CH (ep) and BWTB, just can't really appreciate ULTC yet (though Easy rattles around my head for a few hours after every listen), but time will tell.

Though I have missed a lot of what's been released this past decade, I have constantly listened to my old tapes, and it was only that I started updating these albums onto CDs, that I discovered U23, aprox. year and half after its' release.
What a surprise to immediately have this album resonate with me big time. Perhaps it was the lack of listening to new material, but after 4 months, I don't think that this is the case.
Perhaps not a real in depth review, more a personal observation.

Cobalt Blue: This is the second song I really noticed after Opperetta, first impressions, I felt Steve's voice and the feel of the song very Bowiesque, a good start for sure. Still liking very much.

Deadman's Hand: Love the opening guitar on this that then blends to a lovely half whisper vocals, suits it perfectly. Wasn't immediately a standout, but has grown on me.

Pangaea: Took three listens, then it became an oft repeated song, the chorus just takes me to a place I enjoy very much. If this song was given half the airplay many of today's top 40 are given, it would be still be on many playlists today. A standout.

Happenstance: Don't hate this and find myself always tapping along, not a standout for me, but always willing to let myself flow with the weave of this tune everytime, definitely not filler.

Space Saviour: Hated this when I first heard it, and repeated hearings made Steve's voice very very annoying. This last month though has seen me reconcile with it, and now find myself appreciating this track much more.

On Angel Street: You cannot ignore this song, the pulse for a start keeps hold of you until the vocals melt over the whole thing. It has a calm intensity about it, to me a sad song, perhaps a lamenting of past relationship, one has moved on, whilst the other keeps revisiting. A lonely but lovely song.

Sunken Sun: An immediate connection to this, only now finding out about past life reference (quick aren't I), just love the whole feel of this. Why do I feel everytime I listen to this, that I am kicking back relaxing, most probably stoned. One of my immediate likes.

Anchorage: Perhaps the second longest to click with me, a determined sounding song, one I enjoy as a background driving song, perhaps my second least favourite for now.

Lunar: My least favourite off the album, don't hate it, just does nothing for me.

Opperetta: Ah my first favourite, just a beautiful song, love the backing vocals that come in halfway, a song about what just is, brings a tear to my eye. What a lovely way to end the album.

U23 is special to me, for sure maybe as it is the first new work in a long time, that has really connected with me, but I think this album will be up with my favourite Church albums for a long time, even though in saying that I feel hypcritical, as each Church album has had its' own persona to appreciate.