King's X

Item: Faith Hope Love
Author: Doug Van Pelt

Faith Hope Love

(1990)

Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt

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Label Megaforce RecordsHeaven's Metal #28November 1990

hard rock progressive metal psychedelic rock

This third outing from this great band starts off with a moving rocker called "We Are Finding Who We Are", which finds this trio in full harmony swing. A 4 minute, 30 second song, it seems to end too quickly, leaving the listener wanting more, and then the wonderfully melodic single, "It's Love", steals my attention for another 4:34. Guitarist Ty Tabor handles the lead vocals for this song, which has the most beautiful, swirling harmonies yet to come from this band. The underlying groove is meaty and catchy, while Ty's screaming guitar leads lay a nice texture on top. If this song is anything, it's full sounding - yet it's not over crowded. King's X always includes at least one "obligatory ballad," but it's never predictable and formulaic. "I'll Never Get Tired Of You" doesn't break the fine tradition set by "Goldilox" and "Summerland", but it is very different than those two. Another ballad, "Everywhere I Go", sounds like both of those songs put together. Most of the songs here fall under the "unusual" category: "Talk To You", with an almost industrial, strange vocal delivery by bassist Doug Pinnick; "Six Broken Soldiers", which drummer Jerry Gaskil sings lead vocals for (what a range!); both it and "Mr. Wilson" are trippy Sgt. Pepper-ish journeys through eclectic-land that leaves the listener wondering "what's all this then?;" "We Were Born To Be Loved", with it's "guess when it's really over" never-ending ending; and the all-acoustic "Legal Kill", which features Arkangel veteran Kemper Crabb on recorder. Lyrically, it's a very upfront album. "Legal Kill" tackles abortion with a very personal view into the issue. "I close my eyes so I can't see/ but the picture gets clearer everyday...I have trouble with the persons with the signs/ but I feel the need to make my own." The song poetically ends with just a pre-determined piece of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"...but I won't spoil the surprise for you. "Everywhere I Go" proclaims that, "I read the story that You died/ I turned the page, You were alive/ with hope and love, but mostly faith/ one day I'll see You face to face." Overall, I'd have to say this album really stinks! Oh! I mean it's brilliant! (I just wanted to see if you were still awake.) Catch this band now, before it's too popular to like 'em.