Quality Time

by Antti J. RavelinThe first half of Quality Time sure confuses a hard-boiled Whitehouse fan: "Told" and "Quality Time" are too laid-back to be Whitehouse songs, as the vocals are less enthusiastic and the background samples aren't as crushing as they were on the two earlier albums. However, Quality Time isn't a bad album at all; in fact, when it comes to the themes of the songs and their implementation, Quality Time pushes the limits of Whitehouse's music further than ever. "Baby," for example, is perhaps the most disturbing Whitehouse piece ever. The instrumental "Execution," however, brings back the crushing sounds that Whitehouse has always been known for. "Just Like a Cunt," the absolute highlight of Quality Time, is a strong performance about sexism with great vocals by Philip Best. That and the ending "Once and for All" prove that Quality Time is one of the finest Whitehouse albums; however, it might be a bit demanding a listen, as it isn't such an in-your-face-record like a couple of previous Whitehouse albums. But still, a fine, fine album.