A White Flag - The Exchange EP

Artist: A White Flag
Album: The Exchange EP
Release Date: August 24, 2011
Label: Come&Live!

What happens when one of the hardcore scene's top vocalists goes solo and decides to tone it down and make a worship album? The result is A White Flag, Tommy Green of Sleeping Giant's worship project. Come&Live! have this to say about The Exchange EP: "While living with his two year old daughter and parents during his divorce seven years ago, Tommy found himself in utter brokenness and isolated time with the Lord. He picked up his father's guitar in a simple effort to express his thoughts and new-found joy in surrendering to Jesus." These songs Tommy wrote would later become The Exchange EP.

Upon first listen, you can't help but make out Tommy's very recognizable voice. His lyrics, along with the acoustic guitar, are a perfect combination for worship music. The Exchange starts out with a very straight to the point song, entitled "Sheep Amidst The Wolves." With its chorus of "feed me to the wolves," Tommy lets you know this isn't your parents' worship CD and he isn't afraid to go against the grain. Next up is a very fittingly named tune called "Sacred." During this song, Tommy pours out his heart, letting the listener know how sacred his relationship with the Lord is. He belts out how one day, he looks forward  to being before the Lord to be judged, and even at that moment, he can't help but worship.

"Waves and Breakers" follows with a sound that is semi-reminiscent of Dallas Green and the band City & Colour. During this song, he mentions how he can now step out of the boat and into the water, without being afraid of the waves and whatever else the enemy throws his way. This song truly shows Tommy's love for Christ and how much he trusts Him to protect him in every moment of his life. It also shows how God is the great Maker and makes beauty even from the ashes. "Emmaus" discusses our every day walk and the decisions we make, and the choice to either follow the world or take up our cross and follow Jesus. The track entitled "Apple of My Eye" ends the EP the right way, by showing how Tommy is willing to give up all he is to follow the One who loves him like no other.

Overall: A White Flag is a fresh breath of air in a world of worship music gone terribly stale. Tommy Green has made a sound uniquely his own, and that lovers of all genres of worship music will enjoy. The lyrics are heartfelt and sincere, and truly show Tommy's love for Christ. The Exchange EP shows that even when things look their darkest and the enemy has you up against the wall, it is possible to make music that is nothing but pure light to a world that so desperately needs it. My only negative thing to say about the The Exchange is that I wish it was longer. It is only five tracks long, and runs about 27 minutes. Just as you are getting really into it, the EP is done and having left you wanting more. I guess this will hopefully lead to another A White Flag album, when Tommy has more time away from Sleeping Giant and his ministry. For now, be sure to pick up The Exchange EP, available for free download via Come&Live!.

Rating: 9/10

Reviewed by Stephen Campagna

Tracklisting:

1. Sheep Amidst The Wolves
2. Sacred
3. Waves and Breakers
4. Emmaus
5. Apple of My Eye

(Free Download)