Review: Deep Purple ‘=1’
By Hal Horowitz
It’s unlikely that when Deep Purple released 1968s debut, anyone in the band, or even fans at the time, would have expected 56 years later, for them to be around, let alone going strong.
While there have been plenty of personnel alterations since (only drummer Ian Paice is on board from that first lineup), Purple circa 2024 (on the puzzlingly titled =1, released July 19) maintains a clear sonic connection to the quintet’s initial direction.
The guys have been on a roll since 2017, releasing four albums (three of originals, one of covers), leading to this, their 23rd (!) studio offering. More amazingly, three of Purple’s key members from their storied Mark ll 70s era (Paice, bassist Roger Glover and singer Ian Gillan, all now pushing 80), remain. That forms a philosophical and musical bridge to their most iconic period. Add legendary producer Bob Ezrin who entered for 2013s Now What?! (and stayed), and you have the ingredients for continuing Purple’s legacy relatively unscathed.
There are changes though.
Longtime guitarist Steve Morse is replaced by Simon McBride. But expert keyboardist Don Airey, who took over for the late Jon Lord in 2002, is the next newest member. So Purple’s identifiable sound—part hard edged, blues based rock, melodic metal and even prog rock–which reaches back to 1970s classic In Rock, remains the blueprint for 2024s incarnation. This is now Deep Purple Mark lX for those keeping count.
While it’s no Machine Head, these musicians acquit themselves admirably on this near hour-long, 13 track set. There are moments– like the riffs propelling “Lazy Sod,” “Pictures of You” and especially the roaring “Sharp Shooter”– so close to their 70s heyday guise, they could be vault-rescued top-shelf leftovers. The organ/guitar interplay, which has always branded the distinctive Purple approach, is displayed on “Portable Door” as McBride and Airey duel it out with as much intensity and integrity as Ritchie Blackmore and Lord used to.
Those two also spar on “Bleeding Obvious,” a track combining Purple’s rugged attack with the progressive influences typically threaded through their work. The chimes that subtly enter are pure Ezrin as the song’s current ebbs and flows, making it an ideal example of the band’s strengths and nimble playing.
“Lazy Sod” can’t help but reference Purple’s archetypal concert highlight “Lazy,” although the lyrics reflect the climate change that veteran vocalist Gillan feels powerless to assist with (“The oceans are rising and I can’t do a thing about that”).
His voice has less ability to shift into the screams so deftly performed live on songs like Made in Japan’s pulsating “Highway Star.” But there is no mistaking it’s the same guy who delivered the rocking goods for the past 50+ years.
New addition McBride fits snugly into an experienced lineage that would challenge anyone to enter at this late state. He rips tough, squealing solos balancing the shredding fans expect with a lighter touch. That’s particularly noticeable on the bluesy ballad “I’ll Catch You,” one of the few less frantic moments where the instrumental aggression is dialed down. McBride pulls off a roaring, meaty part, reminiscent of Gary Moore.
The songs are credited collectively to the players, but it’s likely Gillan wrote most of the lyrics. They can get a little clunky (“OMFG the state of me/Man whatever happened to my hair” he laments on “Now You’re Talkin’”), but the frontman has always maintained that Purple was geared more towards their instrumental prowess. That may seem odd coming from the vocalist/lyricist, but it’s clearly the case in the past and on this collection.
Those abilities haven’t dimmed over the decades even when Purple were (incorrectly) written off as old-school has-beens. But this, the latest salvo in their impressive run, shows them to be, if not at the top of their game, surely keeping their music vital as they power through a fifth decade with style, class, vigor and a sonic identity other bands half as old don’t display.
Watch The Album Tailer for ‘=1’ Here
Order ‘=1’ Here
is a ten four me best ever deep purple