Keep on Rockin’ On was released in 2011, sounds like it’s straight out of the 70s, yet it’s still as fresh as ever. Ian Hill, a multi-instrumentalist who performs in a Status Quo tribute band, placed the bar extremely high.
Back in the days of MySpace, I stumbled upon a profile named State As Quo. On it, were a number of “demo” recordings made by Ian Hill (not the bass player) that sounded incredible to my Status Quo obsessed ears. They were straightforward Boogie that sounded like they’d been transported straight out of the 70s but with a little modern shine. I contacted Ian to ask about them, and if I could play them on my radio show that I presented on Boston’s Endeavour FM at the time. He said I could, and told me he was working on a full album. A couple of years later, that album became Keep On Rockin’ On under his own name (State as Quo was a little too close for DJs). The intention was to release an album inspired by Status Quo, and boy did he deliver.
From the moment the metaphorical (yet audible) needle hit, I was immediately transported to my happy place. It was loud, yet not raucous; It was stuck into a groove, yet not repetitive; The setting was established for the album, but doesn’t represent the whole story. Recorded pretty much by himself, with a little assistance from others, Ian’s attention to Quo detail is flawless.
My thoughts on the album
The album begins with Ain’t Life Strange, a song that stylistically sets up the album’s intent and narrative. It’s an out-and-out Quo-soaked rocker that could have been lifted straight out of 1979, with Ian’s vocal tone giving a wave to Rick Parfitt. The solo, also, manages to blend traditional Rock ‘n’ Roll riffs with melodic sections that are not dissimilar to those employed by Francis Rossi during the 70s.
Although many will be reminded of Quo’s ’70s output, most eras have a foothold in here somewhere. Walking Home Alone could’ve been recorded at any point between 1983 and 1991, owing a lot to the slightly more polished elements of the track, Don’t Go Home Tonight has all the ingredients of a late 80s Parfitt dark rocker, while Spin the Wheel seemingly represents the pre-Vertigo days. Ian’s ability to weave all these things in seemingly without breaking a sweat is remarkable.
The album’s title track is a bouncy Quo style number that pays tribute lyrically to the “greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll band in the land”. It tells the familiar story of someone getting into a rock band, and being inspired to play guitar. Despite the well-trod initial narrative, the song comes at it from someone who didn’t reach the heights of their heroes, but is just intent to “Keep on Rockin’ On, no matter what you say”. It’s a song which could apply to the adoration of many bands, but the musical style and subtle lyrical nods point it in the direction of the Quo, and obviously Ian’s own personal experience and feelings.
Part of the album’s strength is its execution of instrumental breaks. The composition will have a catchy hook, but then it is expanded upon during the song. Then there are moments where the song will be set free from its structure, a moment of sheer joy for any Rock fan. Roll Away and You Never Change are great examples of this phenomenon, where the feel is prioritised, and the head banging can begin; Ian Hill subtly slips elements that keep things from becoming stale.
Precious is the penultimate track on the album, which deals lyrically with the first step of parenthood. It is the perfect example of a Quo style song that works commercially, owing to it’s tight song structure, relatable theme, catchy chorus and tightly fit guitar solo. Although not a ballad, it feels more relaxed compared to the rest of the album, giving it a sense of light and shade.
The album ends with How Many Times, a homage to the Status Quo long songs of the 1970s such as Forty-Five Hundred Times, Slow Train and Breaking Away. It isn’t just the characteristic trademark boogie that makes the track stand out, but the acutely observed elements that often get overlooked; The flanger/chorus on the intro; The understated sprinkles of production dust of the later albums; The various movements of difference that somehow join together flawlessly; The false end that turns into a feelgood bouncy jig; Ian Hill nails each turn with such accuracy, that I once tricked my Dad into thinking this was the real deal.
Conclusion
The idea of a Quo-Inspired album perhaps doesn’t seem like something that could work, but it all depends on the execution. Ian’s production isn’t heavy on distortion, instead finding a balance that works for everyone. The songs have a tight structure, but they also meander into exciting places.
To me, the artist manages to nail the look and feel of a Quo album, with almost every facet of their musical output covered in some way. Ian doesn’t just copy the source material verbatim, there are moments of true personal reflection in here too. If you’re a Quo fan from any era, I do not doubt that you will love this album! Keep On Rockin’ On is available on CD in Ian Hill’s online store. It can also be streamed and downloaded on the artist’s Bandcamp page.
Tracklisting:
- Ain’t Life Strange
- Spin The Wheel
- You Never Change
- Show You The Way
- Roll Away
- Don’t Go Home Tonight
- Walking Home Alone
- Keep On Rockin’ On!
- Something Ain’t Right
- Precious
- How Many Times?
