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 over 45 years, he has contributed to a wide range of musical projects, including his 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 where he re-records over 30 songs from his extensive catalog. This re-imagined collection features ten songs from different time periods, played with strings, acoustics, piano, and keyboards while still incorporating bass, drums, and multi-layered vocals. The album revisits material from his solo career—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 tenure with The Church, drawing from landmark albums like Heyday (1985) and Starfish (1988). Included in Volume 1 are fan favorites like "Tristesse," originally featured on Heyday (1985), and "Spark," from the platinum-selling Starfish (1988). 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 themed sci-fi illustration, 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 champion of independent artistry.
Release date:
May 9, 2025
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Rascal Flatts Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets (Yellow)
Big Machine
June 6, 2025 -
Blake Shelton For Recreational Use Only (Transparent Blue; Amazon Exclusive)
Bmg
May 9, 2025 -
Kae Tempest Self Titled Recycled
Island
July 4, 2025 -
NØ MAN Glitter and Spit
Iodine Recordings
July 18, 2025 -
Hotline TNT Raspberry Moon
Third Man Records
June 20, 2025 -
Andy Bell Ten Crowns (White)
Crown Recordings
May 23, 2025 -
Sam Kelly Dreamers Dawn
Navigator Records
June 20, 2025 -
Big Sean Live From The Detroit Institute Of Arts Museum (Gold Mix; Amazon Music Songline)
Def Jam
May 9, 2025 -
Coil vs Elph Born Again Pagan (Extended; 30Th Anniversary) [3xLP]
Infinite Fog
May 16, 2025 -
Cory Hanson I Love People
Drag City
July 25, 2025 -
The Pine Hill Haints Shattered Pieces of the True Cross
Single Lock Records
May 30, 2025 -
Quinie Forefowk, Mind Me
Upset The Rhythm
June 6, 2025 -
Sister John Don't Worry, It's Forever (Polar)
Last Night Glasgow
June 6, 2025 -
Caamp Copper Changes Color
Mom+Pop
June 6, 2025