One of the few remaining bands from the fusion days of 69-79, the current shade of Deep Purple is still able to create heat and sparks. Original drummer Ian Paice can still ride the mustangs of the current team of guitarist Steve Morse, bassist Roger Glover, keyboardist Don Airey and singer Ian Gillian, who’s still in great form as well.
Airey does a yeoman’s job of replacing the irreplaceable Jon Lord, giving the Leslies a workout on the deepest of purple tunes “No Need To Shout”, with his organ riffing with Morse on “Drop The Weapon” and getting the synth big and ominous on the dark “The Power of the Moon”. The rhythm team goes space truckin’ on “What The Walk” and gives a hint of Aerosmith as Gillian growls during “We’re All The Same In The Dark” with dashes of a led zeppelin thud on the dramatic “Throw My Bones”. Most intriguing of all, and showing tones of creativity, are the moments of progressive tones a la vintage Genesis on “Step By Step” and exotic “Dancing In My Sleep”. But don’t worry, these guys haven’t abandoned head bangers, and they pound hard on “Man Alive”. Deep Purple dawns!