Album review: THE GUESS WHO – The Future IS What It Used To Be

Cleopatra Records [Release date 14.09.18]

Canadian classic rockers the Guess Who have been around since 1965 and this line-up still features original drummer Garry Peterson, whilst original bassist Jim Kale appears on the album, although no longer tours with the band.

The rest of the line-up consists of vocalist Derek Sharp (or D# as he appears on the album credits), Leonard Shaw (keyboards, sax, flute, vocals), Will Evankovich (guitar, harp, vocals) and former Whitesnake/Dio/BOC et al bassist Rudy Sarzo. Styx’s Tommy Shaw also guests on vocals and he co-wrote three of the ten songs on the album.

Like many other established bands The Guess Who have had various line-up changes and the current line-up does feature two original members (although as already mentioned only Garry Peterson still tours) plus Leonard Shaw has been in the band for twenty five years.

This album marks the band’s first new album since 1995′s ‘The Lonely One’ and before that their previous full studio album was released back in 1981! The album highlights include a fond look at days past on ’When We Were Young’, they hark back to their 70′s sound on the chugging rocker ’In America’ complete with rollicking piano and slide guitar. The ballad ‘Haunted’ allows D# a chance to show his vocal prowess. He suits the band to the ground.

The first single ‘Playin’ On The Radio’ celebrates the days of hearing a great song on the radio and this one is made for the airwaves, featuring a catchy chorus and a summery feel to the music. The band’s backing vocals on this one are a perfect fit and give the song a real uplifting vibe and there is a nice psychedelic outro.

A welcome return by the Guess Who still tour regularly and they will I am sure be able to include a few songs off this album as they have retained the band’s past sound – the album was recorded using equipment from the 60′s and 70′s. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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