The Rex Carroll Band-That was then, this is now

Retroactive
2010

Guitarist Rex Carroll is probably most known for his time in christian hard rock outfit Whitecross and more die hard fans may know his work in King James. Even though Rex was obviously influenced by hard rock guitarists this new disc reveals to us that he was also influenced southern/blues rock as well. It's so surprising because he never allowed this style to come into in his other bands yet here it just flows easily. Not to put down hard rock but I believe many guitarists can learn basic chords and pull that style off, but takes more than just the basics to play blues rock that's really going to stick. You have to have a certain amount of groove and spirit. I don't believe every player has that, but fortunately Rex Carroll has that kinds of spirit and knows how to use it. At first I was shocked by the style, but then when I realized how good he was at it then I just sat back and enjoyed it. So now it becomes obvious that in addition to listening to the likes of Van Halen and the Scorpions that Rex was also listening and soaking in sounds from the likes of ZZtop and the Allman Brothers as well. I for one am glad he decided to share this side of his playing on this album as it has turned out to be one of the more pleasant surprises of the year.