A band that consistently delivers quality is undoubtedly Deep Purple, founded in 1968. And their latest album, ‘Splat!,’ is no exception. The follow-up to the ‘=1’ album, released in 2024, is already here just two years later. It seems clear that the addition of the newest band member, guitarist Simon McBride, has provided a significant creative boost.
power and charisma
By now, the guys have managed to find a formula that perfectly suits their young age. Singer Ian Gillan doesn’t hit those sky-high notes quite as much these days, but he knows that the power and charisma of his voice lie more in the moderate registers, and that’s just fine. Ian Paice remains a powerhouse on the drums and seems to possess an unstoppable creative energy; when he’s not on the road with Deep Purple, he’s busy with his solo project, Purpendicular. A busy guy, indeed. Bassist Roger Glover and keyboardist Don Airey also don’t seem to be held back by their young age.
The music on ‘Splat!’ can therefore be described as fresh and uplifting. It leans a bit more toward classic rock, with slightly more blues and prog influences, than the hard-and-heavy sounds we know from the band’s 70s and 80s era. But make no mistake—there are still some super-heavy riffs hidden in these compositions. From the very first notes, it’s clear which band we’re dealing with here; the Deep Purple DNA is deeply woven into their roots and is inextricably linked to the core band members.
grooves
The opener, “Arrogant Boy,” is an up-tempo song that could well become a staple of their live set. Great guitar work, good drive. “Sacred Land” begins with an Eastern-flavored keyboard intro before being carried by an incredibly beautiful guitar riff. This song, too, is secretly incredibly heavy at its core. The production of this latest work by these masters is, by the way, very clear and vibrant. All the instruments have their place in the mix and get their solo moments. A delight for the ears. The track “Splat!” is a mid-tempo, driving, groovy song. And groove is definitely a defining characteristic of the entire album. The whole album is just a delight to listen to.
With this album, Deep Purple has once again added a beautiful chapter to their musical legacy. Quality comes first, and fortunately, the band still has plenty of creativity left in the tank to draw from. A wonderful album! ‘Splat!’
beautiful limited-edition
Side note, a beautiful limited-edition box set is available for die-hard fans. It includes, of course, the CD and the 2LP version of the album. A 7” vinyl of the bonus track “Guinnesis” and no fewer than three 10” vinyls featuring previously unreleased live recordings of band classics like “Black Night” and “Space Truckin’,” recorded in Dresden in 2024. All beautifully designed in the style of ‘Splat!’. Plus, a beautiful booklet with lyrics and all the other info about the new album. The band certainly didn’t cut any corners here. Definitely worth it!!!!
Report by Raymond Helebrand
