Quartz were one of those bands that had been gigging around the circuit but were getting nowhere until the NWOBHM arrived, then every label wanted a band that they thought were part of that scene. They released a debut self titled album in ’77 on Jet records that did nothing, but was re-released just after the release of this live album. Basically, they were a typical 70’s hard rock band that beefed up their sound to appeal to the NWOBHM kids.
I had an original copy of this album back in the day, and I managed to get a Japanese copy as a replacement. You’ve gotta love the Japanese, in the liner notes with the lyric sheet, not only have they put the lyrics in but the raps in between songs have also been translated. This is a really solid live album, and a good representation of what the band were all about. Highlights of the album are the opening track, Street Fighting Lady, and my favourite track by the band, Count Dracula. Both are typical NWOBHM fare but great rockin, tracks. Who knows? If they had a mega producer behind them they may have gone further as the bones were there for sure.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
