Back To The Drive

LIBERTY, 2006

Following a 16-year lay-off, Quatro’s long-awaited comeback record benefits from a gutsy co-production by Sweet’s Andy Scott (under the keen eye of Mike Chapman, who also provides a stunning, glory days-referencing title song). Scott also joins Len Tuckey on guitar. But despite the glam muscle of the front line, Back To The Drive isn’t the straight-ahead, no-surprises rock album one might expect. Duality (co-written with ex-Runaway Vicki Blue) is based on an Indian raga, 15 Minutes Of Fame echoes Run Run Away-era Slade, and I Don’t Do Gentle features strident horns. Vocal effects, though, are surplus to requirements.