Marty Willson-Piper - Archaeological Dig Volume 1

Marty Willson-Piper is an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known as a longtime member of the Australian band The Church (1980–2013). With a career spanning more than 45 years, he has contributed to a wide range of musical projects, including solo work, collaborations with All About Eve and The Saints, and his own band, Noctorum.

In 2025, Willson-Piper launched Archaeological Dig – Volume 1, the first in a planned trilogy of releases in which he re-records over 30 songs from his extensive catalog. This reimagined collection features ten tracks from various points in his career, performed with strings, acoustic guitars, piano, and keyboards—while still incorporating bass, drums, and layered vocals. The album revisits material from his solo discography—including selections from In Reflection (1987), which also received a Record Store Day 2025 reissue, and Art Attack (1988)—as well as songs from his time with The Church, drawing from landmark albums like Heyday (1985) and Starfish (1988).

Volume 1 includes fan favorites such as “Tristesse,” originally featured on Heyday, and “Spark,” from the platinum-selling Starfish. These songs highlight the diversity of Willson-Piper’s catalog and showcase his evocative songwriting and signature guitar work.

Adding to the album’s distinctive presentation, the cover art for Archaeological Dig features a sci-fi theme, with each of the three volumes depicting Willson-Piper in a different setting alongside UFOs. The release is available across all planets and throughout the galaxy via the In Deep boutique label in conjunction with Schoolkids Records. Blending psychedelic rock, folk, and alternative influences, Willson-Piper’s music remains deeply atmospheric and introspective. Beyond his recording career, he is also an avid vinyl collector, music historian, and passionate advocate for independent artistry.