Review: Deep Purple '=1' (hard rock)

Introduction

Greetings everyone, Heo here from the Southeast of Tranquility. Welcome to another episode of What's Hot with SE of Tranquility. In the co-captain’s chair today, we've got Mr. Rick Lebon. What’s going on, Rick?

Rick starts off by mentioning his pride in a new shirt and delves into the anticipation for Deep Purple’s new album. He shares how fans of the show were hopeful for a new album that wasn't a cover, and lo and behold, it finally happened. However, it came with an unexpected personnel change—longtime guitarist Steve Morse left the band, replaced by Simon McBride. Rick shares the initial anxiety and the eventual relief after hearing the singles.

This new album, titled =1, is released on Edel Records and marks Deep Purple’s 23rd studio release. The packaging, however, appears lackluster, featuring scribbled song names and a plain white cover, which Rick and Heo find especially disappointing as it doesn’t do justice to the effort put into the music itself.

Bob Ezrin has produced this album, continuing his string of collaborations with the band. The lineup features Ian Gillan on vocals, new guitarist Simon McBride, Roger Glover on bass, Ian Paice on drums, and Don Airey on keyboards, with songwriting credits going to the band alongside Ezrin.

Rick and Heo then discuss Simon McBride's impressive fit into the band. Despite apprehensions, McBride’s aggressive and wild style brings a fresh yet familiar energy to the album, reminiscent of both Blackmore and Morse.

Tracks Overview

• Show Me Your Love: A powerful opener with chugging riffs and high energy.
• A Bit on the Side: One of Rick’s favorites, a great classic rock feel.
• Sharpshooter: An incredible hard rock track, featuring excellent Hammond organ and guitar solos.
• Portable Door: A fan-favorite single with heavy riffs and memorable solos.
• Old Le: Described as whimsical and somewhat weak, but with a surprise heavy breakdown in the middle.
• If I Were You: A bluesy ballad with a bit of vocal overreach by Ian.
• In Pictures of You: A mid-paced rocker with a catchy chorus.
• I'm Saying Nothing: A bluesy, heavy track with a great riff and typical Deep Purple in-play.
• Lazy Sod: Reminiscent of old-school British heavy rock.
• Now You’re Talking: High energy with playful vocals and aggressive riffs.
• No Money to Burn: Described as a great groovy track.
• All I’ve Got is You: Likened to the emotional depth of “Wasted Sunsets.”
• The Long Way Round: Epic closer with heavy chugging riffs and intense solos.

Rick points out the balance between returning to the band's hard rock roots while allowing McBride to bring his unique style. Several tracks stand as strong examples of Deep Purple’s capability to blend classic sounds with fresh energy.

Final Thoughts

Rick and Heo praise the album’s energy, noting it stands as one of the heavier Deep Purple albums in recent memory. Both express excitement about seeing the new lineup live. They tentatively rate the album 4.5 out of 5 stars, citing only minor missteps in some tracks.

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Keywords

• Deep Purple
• '=1'
• Bob Ezrin
• Simon McBride
• Steve Morse
• Hard rock
• Album review

FAQ

How does Simon McBride fit in with Deep Purple's classic sound?

Simon McBride brings in a wild and aggressive style that complements the band’s classic sound while injecting fresh energy reminiscent of past greats like Blackmore and Morse.

Is the new album, '=1', a heavy rock album?

Yes, the album is one of the heaviest in recent memory and focuses strongly on guitar and Hammond organ interplay.

What are the standout tracks from the new album?

Some standout tracks include "Show Me Your Love," "Sharpshooter," "Portable Door," and "Now You’re Talking."

How does the packaging of the album look?

The packaging is disappointing with a plain white cover and scribbled song names, lacking in photographs or visual appeal.

How do Ian Gillan's vocals hold up in the new album?

Ian Gillan uses a more conversational and melodic approach, avoiding the attempts to hit high notes that characterized his younger years. His voice fits well with the rockers on the album but shows some limitations on a few tracks.