Classic Rock

The Guess Who

The Future IS What It Used To Be

- Hugh Fielder

Back to the future. Some 40 people have played with the Guess Who during their convoluted 53-year career (which has included two different bands at the same time), but the handful of US hits they scored around the beginning of the 70s, of which American Woman was their biggie in the UK, were distinctiv­e enough to protect their identity through all the subsequent shenanigan­s. And it’s that heyday that the band have tried to recreate for their first studio album in 23 years, reflected in the title.

Drummer Garry Peterson is the only original member left – and even he’s taken a couple of breaks from the line-up – but the arrival of bassist Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne) a couple of years ago has raised the band’s kudos.

But it’s the younger members who have driven the Guess Who’s back-to-the-future approach, which involved returning to the recording methods of the late 60s when eight tracks was considered a luxury and playing on vintage instrument­s and equipment. The result is a clear, clean sound with the recording levels up high so you can hear the different guitar parts and the striking harmonies.

Singer Dee Sharp has written the lion’s share of the songs, most of which will shine brightly in the band’s show without detracting from the sparkle of their hits.

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