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Deep Purple

= 1

Review by Gary Hill

Deep Purple have been putting out consistently strong stuff for a while now. This new release continues that trend. I wasn't sure what to expect because guitar wizard Steve Morse recently had to leave the band for family reasons. Well, new axe-man Simon McBride is clearly up to the task. This album feels very much like a Deep Purple album, while also retaining some of the proggier things Morse brought to the table. This is familiar, and yet fresh. This is likely to make my "Best of 2024" list by the time the year is over. This edition also includes a cool behind the scenes documentary of the band on tour. While that's great, it doesn't need to be to make this great. It is a bonus. The album sells itself.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2024  Volume 3 More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2024.

Track by Track Review
Show Me
A rather unusual and tentative guitar sound starts this. They launch out after a time into a riff-driven jam that is much more what one expects from the band. This has a great energy and a lot of style. The keyboard and guitar showcase later in the track is absolutely on fire and gets pretty proggy.
A Bit on the Side

This powerhouse has such a classic Deep Purple sound. It's absolutely intense and driving. It also features smoking hot performances from all involved.

Sharp Shooter

This hard rocker is another that feels like classic Deep Purple. It's another screamer, if perhaps a little more straight-forward.

Portable Door

The first single from the album, this is one of the highlights of the disc. It really feels like something from the classic era of the band, but with a little more prog and modern angle at play.

Old-Fangled Thing

Here we get another driving rocker with a lot of style. I really love the keyboard and guitar interplay on this one so much.

If I Were You

I dig this rocking groove. It's got some killer guitar work on it. It's not what I'd call a standout, but the more bluesy angles work well.

Pictures of You

Here is another smoking hot Deep Purple rocker. This thing is just what one expects from the band, but with some fresh vibes.

I'm Saying Nothin'

Another riff driven rocker, this is strong, but probably not a standout.

Lazy Sod

I really love the classic Deep Purple sound on this thing .It's another great entry in a particularly strong album.

Now You're Talkin'

The energy and magic on this is so cool. It's a driving rocker that has a lot of classic Deep Purple sound with some really screaming moments. The guitar soloing on this has some neo-classical angles and is positively sublime.

No Money to Burn

Powerful and built on some cool riffing, this is another new DP classic. I really love the keyboard showcase section later.

I'll Catch You

This slower, blues rocker has some amazing guitar work. The vocals are packed with emotion, and the song just works so well. This one is definitely a highlight for me.

Bleeding Obvious
This one is a very dynamic number .Parts of this are typical Deep Purple. Other sections get into more melodic proggy zones. It's all so classy, and the instrumental break later that takes it into full prog territory is absolutely on fire. It reminds me a little of Yes at times.
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