STATUS QUO: Backbone (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

When Rick Parfitt died in 2016, it was difficult to imagine that Status Quo would continue his career. And yet, once again, it was necessary to refer to the common denominator: "Legends never die". Without delay, Francis Rossi recruited the Irish Richie Malone (RAID) and went on tour again. Even more unexpected, here is a 33rd album entitled "Backbone" coming out, the first one without Rick Parfitt. Since this term means the spine in Shakespeare's language, it is possible to wonder what element of the history of the Quo it refers to. Francis Rossi, the last survivor of the original formation, does he rightly consider himself the backbone of the quintet? Or does this title refer to the expression "having a spine" which means having a strong character and being able to fight for your convictions?

As Normandy is not very far from England's native Status Quo, it is possible to answer 'a little bit of both'. Indeed, there is no doubt that the guitarist/singer is now the only master on board the ship. And if each member of the group is presumed to have participated in the writing of the 11 tracks that fill this "Backbone", he is the only one credited with his eternal acolyte Bob Young, the sixth unofficial member of the Quo. Moreover, it is in his studios that this opus was created and recorded. Indeed, whereas the band was only supposed to meet to play together, it is in an unscheduled way that the new songs were born from these sessions. As for the assertive character, it is not surprising that Status Quo makes Status Quo. Not surprisingly, but not without talent, because after all, why would the quintet change a recipe it has developed and made famous itself?

Just like AC/DC or ZZ Top, the London legend is recognizable from the very first chords of a "Waiting For A Woman" that quietly opens the hostilities to make us gently tap our feet. "Cut Me Some Slack" presses on the accelerator to make itself more rock and catchy with its unstoppable riff and pretty solo. The machine is launched and it will only stop after a "Running Out Of Time" as classic as ever for the Quo, but combining melancholy, optimism and efficiency with delicacy and control. So of course, Rossi and his band regularly recycle the ingredients used for over 50 years and even use riffs made famous by others. This is the case on the single "Liberty Lane", positive and energetic with its bastringue piano but with the strong accents of the Rolling Stones' "Let's Spend The Night Together". As for the irresistible and unifying "I See You're In Some Trouble", it gives the listener the furious impression that he has made a mistake and launched AC/DC's "Hold Me Back" on "Stiff Upper Lip" (2000).

Without reaching the heights of the 70s and 80s, this "Backbone" is nevertheless an excellent vintage. It is not revolutionary but will bring undeniable pleasure to all lovers of this British legend who does not intend to die. At least not right away. And if it is to offer us records of this quality, we can only hope that it will continue for a long time to come. - Official website

STATUS QUO

BACKBONE

EAR MUSIC

ROCK