Review of "PURPENDICULAR"

Fasten your seatbelts, Deep Purple is back with a brand new studio album, "Purpendicular".

Written by Daniel Bengtsson

Deep Purple's concert in Helsinki on the 17th of November is historical. This was the last show with "The man in black", Ritchie Blackmore. The reason for his departure was quite easy to find out, you know Ritchie. By the way, Ritchie reformed Rainbow and recorded "Stranger In Us All", a new album with new musicians. Joe Satriani became the band's new guitarist, but after finishing the current world tour, Joe decided to continue as a solo guitarist. Steve Morse known for his efforts in Kansas and Dixie Dregs became a permanent member of the band. They did some concerts in Africa and USA before they started working with the new album. Once again they went to Florida, USA to record. The album was written and produced by all members. Here is my review of the album...

1. "VAVOOM: TED THE MECHANIC"

This opening song has an incredible guitar intro by Steve Morse. Ian Paice starts rolling and we are off. Ian Gillan sounds great, especially in the middle section. This song is absolutely one of the highlights!!!

2. "LOOSEN MY STRINGS"

The second song is slower than the first, but this is also one of the best songs on the album. Jon Lord is opening the song and after a while it's time for Roger Glover to show who handles the bass, beautiful, professional and truly great. Ian Gillan sings good and Steve Morse does an incredibly fine solo in the middle of the song.

3. "SOON FORGOTTEN"

This song starts with some "fat" hammond chords from the maestro, Jon Lord. Steve Morse comes in before Ian Gillan starts singing. Jon Lord's solo in the end of the song is very dramatic and very good, the end is mighty.

4. "SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE SCREAMING"

Also a very strong highlight. It starts with Steve Morse on guitar and Ian Gillan comes in with a voice of a god. Suddenly it get's heavier, this is so great, this is so beautiful. The song goes on and in the end we hear Ian Gillan screaming like a maniac, this is DEEP PURPLE!!!

5. "CASCADES: I'M NOT YOUR LOVER"

This is the fastest song on the album. Jon Lord and Steve Morse is doing a solo together, the best solo on the album. How can they be so good. These guys are professionals!

6. "THE AVIATOR"

This is an acoustic song from the band. In fact a very fine song. Another nice contribution from Ian Gillan.

7. "ROSA'S CANTINA"

The intro to this song is ultracool! Jon Lord has a very "fat" sound and Ian Paice is also showing which instrument he is playing. The beat is funky and suddenly we hear Ian Gillan singing and handling his harmonica. What can I say, this is great music!!!

8. "A CASTLE FULL OF RASCALS"

This is heavy!!! Ian Paice is superb and Ian Gillan is also great with his good voice and cool lyrics. The middle section is great and the brutality after that is so mighty. Jon Lord's solo after that is also worth mentioning.

9. "A TOUCH AWAY"

This song proves to be very melodical and it is thereby very interesting to listen to. One of the most radio-friendly songs on the album.

10. "HEY CISCO"

Next up is this song, a real goodie! Jon Lord and Steve Morse are involved in the opening and it sounds very good. Ian Gillan sings once again like a god, and Steve Morse shows that he can play the guitar, especially in his solo, which is magnificent.

11. "SOMEBODY STOLE MY GUITAR"

This song hits you at once with it's heavy guitar riff, the chorus is great and it really get's stuck in your head. Somebody stole my guitar, they took it from the back seat of my car...

12. "THE PURPENDICULAR WALTZ"

It is time for the closing song. All members show that they still are the best band in the world. There is nothing more to say, I love it!!!

The Conclusion

This is for sure one of Deep Purple's best albums. It is so fresh and exiting. Some say that Deep Purple never will be the same without Ritchie Blackmore, but I disagree with them. Steve Morse has brought a new sound to the band, which I like. The thing that I mentioned was one good thing about Ritchie's departure, but there is one more good thing, the risk of getting a plate full of spaghetti smashed in the face is also minimal, now that Ritchie is gone. I thank Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, Steve Morse and Ian Paice for making such good music. My personal rating of "PURPENDICULAR" will be 9 out of 10.

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