Review: White Skies – Shouting At The Hurricane

Conquest Music – May 29^th, 2026

Reviewer – Chris O’Connor

I seem to recall White Skies’ previous album, ‘Black Tide‘, receiving a favourable reception from melodic rock fans, and while I certainly found plenty to enjoy, it never quite managed to grab me in the way I had hoped. Pleasant though it was, the album felt like a band still searching for its true identity. With ‘Shouting At The Hurricane‘, however, White Skies have taken a significant step forward, delivering a record that is more confident, more cohesive, and ultimately far more memorable.

The band itself consists of vocalist Mick White, guitarist Ray Callcut, keyboardist Pete Lakin, bassist Rob Naylor, and drummer Daz Lamberton, and together they have crafted an album that showcases both their musical ability and their growing maturity as songwriters. What immediately strikes the listener is the balance the band achieves throughout the record. There is plenty of melodic rock energy and punch when required, yet the group is equally comfortable exploring more measured, sophisticated territory. The result is an album that feels dynamic and varied without ever losing its sense of identity.

At the centre of it all is Mick White, whose versatile vocal performance proves one of the album’s greatest strengths. Whether tackling the more energetic material or the album’s softer moments, he consistently delivers with conviction and style. Alongside him, Ray Callcut emerges as something of a secret weapon, his guitar work adding both power and melody in equal measure. Meanwhile, Pete Lakin’s keyboards provide texture, atmosphere, and colour, ensuring the arrangements remain rich and engaging throughout. Beneath it all, the rhythm section of Rob Naylor and Daz Lamberton supplies a rock-solid foundation, driving the songs forward with admirable restraint and precision.

One of the album’s most appealing qualities is its obvious affection for the classic melodic rock sound. Indeed, there are moments where the band’s influences shine through quite clearly. In fact, White Skies may have to spend a brief spell on the “naughty step“, because the title track bears more than a passing resemblance to Journey‘s ‘The Eyes Of A Woman’ from the wonderful ‘Raised On Radio‘ album, albeit delivered with a little more urgency and pace. That said, this observation should not be taken as criticism. Rather, it feels like the work of musicians wearing their influences proudly on their sleeves.

Elsewhere, subtle Journey-esque touches can be heard throughout the album, woven naturally into the band’s own songwriting style. The important point is that White Skies never descend into mere imitation. Instead, they take familiar ingredients and shape them into something that feels fresh, engaging, and distinctly their own. More importantly, they do so while delivering a collection of songs that consistently entertain, which is ultimately what matters most.

Highlights include the beautiful ‘I Can’t Make This Alone’, which is genuinely dazzling, the surging ‘If This Is It (Get Ready)’, the melodic yet powerful ‘Those Days’, the gorgeous ‘One Life’, the driving ‘Righteous Zone’, and the utterly fabulous ‘I Kissed The Rain’. Here is a band that has discovered the magic formula, combining great songs, accomplished musicianship, and genuine passion into a compelling whole. I am completely sold on this album!

In summary, ‘Shouting At The Hurricane‘ represents a significant leap forward for White Skies and firmly establishes them as one of the most exciting melodic rock acts currently operating in the UK. Blending infectious hooks, polished musicianship, memorable melodies, and heartfelt performances, the band has delivered an album that feels both contemporary and reassuringly classic. Fans of Journey, Toto, and the very best of melodic rock will find much to love here. Confident, accomplished, and packed with quality songs, this is an album that deserves to be heard by a far wider audience. White Skies are no longer simply knocking on the door of greatness; they are striding confidently through it, ready to conquer any stage.

Track listing:

1. If This Is It (Get Ready)
2. 88 Crash
3. Money To Burn
4. I Can’t Make This Alone
5. The Girl’s In Love
6. Shouting At The Hurricane
7. Those Days
8. One Life
9. Rightous Zone
10. Control
11. So Sweet
12. I Kissed The Rain

Line-up:

Mick White – Vocals
Ray Callcut – Guitars and vocals
Pete Lakin – Keyboards and vocals
Rob Naylor – Bass and vocals
Daz Lamberton – Drums and vocals

Web Links:

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