Whitecross
In the Kingdom
Reviewed by Joey Knight
1987 is one year that will always remain as a reminder of many things for me, and it was October of '87 that I first heard the flaming sounds of Whitecross. Since their first album, I really haven't listened to their material, but in a way, I think it was good, because it has helped me hear how far they've really come. One thing I notice right away that remains consistent is the 5 alarm fiery guitar playing by non other than Rex Carroll. It's no wonder that he has won favorite guitarist in the reader's poll for, uh....hey Doug, how many times? I've lost count! "In The Kingdom" really shows the strength the band has developed in songwriting. Known for their hard rocking sound, I've noticed that they've expanded on such songs as the pop metal "No Second Chances". Even though (I hate to say) it contains same redundant drum beat and phrasing as many of their songs do. The song has good hooks and big vocal backing during the chorus. "Good Enough" is one of the hottest (if not the hottest) track off the album. This song contains a very Van Halen-ish feel to it. I've been hearing a lot of bands writing this style of music, but instead of falling into the ole Hot For Teacher syndrome, Whitecross remains with some originality with Scott's style of vocals. Speaking of style, Scott shows versatility by using a more clear, smooth sound on the ballads "In The Kingdom", "In His Hands", and "If He Goes Before Me". I don't think too many of their fans will like "In His Hands", only because it's a real pop ballad with piano, but I personally liked the song, showing that they are willing to do something different. "The Eternal Fire" is Rex's play time. Rex shoots out of the hole with his well known speedster riffs and arpeggios, which is impressive indeed, but I think I would have enjoyed hearing Rex open a whole other side to us, something real esoteric, with volume swells and passion. I know that he is capable of doing it, after hearing him do a solo at a recent show. "You Will Never Find It There" is a heavy Blues ballad, which I feel falls short of its potential. Nice Blues feel to it, but I personally feel that Scott's vocals just don't groove with what is being done, so it just didn't feel right. "Holy War" shows the influence of Rap. Yes, I said Rap! Mixing the hard rock Whitecross sound with Rapping through some of the verses, which gives the song a great direction, but then the chorus kicks in and it's just too majestic and choir sounding for a piece like this. After the second chorus it continues with this big choir vocal sound, so it loses the uniqueness of the song and made me lose interest. Don't get me wrong, I feel they are exploring some very creative venues with their songs and their message is still very uncompromising and great, but I feel the songs (musically) should have a more solid direction.