THE THRILL OF NOTHINGNESS

The Thrill of Nothingness marks the latest chapter in the Cross saga, and I would say this is the strongest Cross album to date. Its funny, I dont think frontman Hansi Cross realizes just how good they are when they go acoustic, because it is so rare and brief when they do. But those brief and rare moments are wonderful.

For the most part, the album is heavy, with big chords, and emotional melodies. Hansi's electric guitar playing is excellent, with touches of Andy Latimer and Allan Holdsworth. The one thing that would make this album stronger is a great vocalist. Hansi's voice is probably similar in quality to Steve Howe's. However, much of the album is instrumental.

The first six tracks are very much in keeping with the high quality of 'Secrets' and 'Playgrounds'. No complaints there, (especially 'Innocence' with its powerful chord progressions.) But, then comes.'Eternity', which is easily my favorite Cross song to date. This is a wonderful track, carrying an almost magical Genesis-type feel. A wonderful way to close the album.

The limited edition includes a disc 2, 'The Thrill of Somethingness', which is just about as good as disc one. A bit more variety on this one perhaps, and like the first disc, quite consistantly good. My only complaint is that music of this calibre needs a singer to match.