Deep Purple - "Splat!" Album review

When Ian Gillan said that this new album would remind us strongly of the early 1970's era, he wasn't lying.  Opening song, "Arrogant Boy" hits the tarmac running. Quick-paced, and drives along at a frantic, yet measured velocity. It sets the tone remarkably, with "Diablo" keeping up that vein immediately. "The Rider" has a glorious Keyboard intro from Don Airey, then cracks it's way into a dramatic opening. Simon McBride imposes himself early on. I'd personally say his sound is closer to Steve's than Ritchie's, though crucially, he has his own finger print.  Ian Gillan is still producing some top-drawer lyrics. Reflective, yet amusing, poignant, yet uplifting. He's also crafted his voice to suit the output over the years, and that distinctive timbre is very firmly still there. To my mind, he's the finest rock vocalist of all time.

"The Lunatic" is perhaps the heaviest song thus far, with a threatening riff that simply doesn't let up.  Ian Gillan's singing matches that atmosphere perfectly here. It's clear already that DP are putting in as many twists and turns as they always do. They also have an in-built radar for knowing the times to do this.  "The Only Horse In Town", has a very easy feel, once more with a gravitas befitting a group of this stature. "I have the Presidential Suite, though I chose a Motel" says, Ian Gillan. Each song has so much in it. It's nice to hear more from Ian Paice on this album. 

"Sacred Land"....oh my. The heaviest song on the album thus far, also immensely epic.  Think "In Rock" meets "Perfect Strangers" eras. For me, this song ends way too soon. From the Morse era onwards, I've often said that there are times when DP could stretch out more, and this song fits that viewpoint perfectly. It could have gone in so many directions. However, it's still very impressive. "The Beating Of Wings", is slower, with a "Maybe I'm A Leo" vibe about it. Ian Gillan talks of those moments we have when we're alone, perhaps longing for a certain someone. (We've all had that, haven't we?) At the same time though, pointing to a positive way forward.  "Guilt Trippin" starts with a glorious classically inspired Piano piece from Don Airey, with Simon and Ian arriving on time to take it forwards. "I'm guilt trippin' on the last train home", says Ian. Once more, we know what he means. Roger Glover dances in and out, knowing exactly when to act. You can't teach the sort of "time" that Roger is gifted with. 

Some songs here do remind me of Gillan (the group). "Scriblin' Gib'rish" is one of those. From the title, the lyrics, and the nature of the structure, it sits within that remit.  "Jessica's Bra" came from a miss-spelling over a pub bar.  The song almost has a "jig" sense about it instrumentally, and serves as an interesting deviation on the album. "Third Call" takes us back to heavier territory to start with, then alternates between melody and a bombastic thrust. 

"My New Movie" ups the ante, with another classical style mid section. Title track "Splat!" starts with a strong intro from first Ian Paice, then Roger Glover coming in as well. One of the standouts on the album. It has the heavy/melodic cycle administered perfectly. Ian Gillan talks of how the human race may have to evolve to move forwards, physically and spiritually. Once more, it's lyrically positive and thought provoking.  Just how you'd like the album to finish. If you purchase the deluxe edition, there is an extra track (on a separate 7" single), an instrumental called "Guinneses".  In the same mould as "Wring That Neck" or "And The Address", this has already made it's way into the setlist, running directly into "Hush".  On first hearing, it goes shoulder to shoulder with any instrumental from DP's roster.

At this risk of labouring the point, there are a couple of tracks here that beg to have been stretched out further.  Two or so songs could have then been removed from here and used as extra tracks on special editions. When Bob Ezrin started working with DP, he said he wanted them to put the "Deep" back into Deep Purple. He meant it, and goodness me, how it's worked. He deserves full credit and acknowledgment for his input. Simon McBride has also injected a fresh and different oomph into DP.  They are enjoying a massively fruitful period, releasing albums at a very pleasing rate. How they keep finding the inspiration, I've no idea. I'm just overjoyed that they do.

So, where does this album sit in the catalogue? Goodness me, now you're asking me, aren't you?! I've listened to it twice, and at this point I'd say it's up at the top of the Ezrin era, along with "Now What?!".  You could also say it's in the same area (in terms of quality) as "Purpendicular", whilst still a very different offering to that album. It can also sit proudly amongst their earlier work, and stylistically leans closer to that period than some of the more latter day output. They are already (surprisingly) talking of the next album after this one. "Splat!" is a very impressive, refreshing, emotional, melodic, heavy album. From one of our true national treasures, they've shown us once more why they deserve that designation. 

"Splat!"is out now now on Ear Music. Deep Purple are on tour in Europe now, and hit the UK in November.