Review DEEP PURPLE “SPLAT!”

Introducing Deep Purple is like carrying coals to Newcastle. Few bands have left such an indelible mark on rock music as the legendary outfit from London, England. With timeless classics such as “Smoke on the Water” firmly embedded in rock history, Deep Purple have earned their place among the genre’s true giants.

Nearly six decades after their formation, the band remains remarkably active. Rather than relying solely on nostalgia and greatest-hits tours, Deep Purple continue to write and record new music. Following 2024’s =1, the band now returns with SPLAT!, the twenty-fourth studio album in an extraordinary career that shows no signs of slowing down.

Featuring thirteen tracks, SPLAT! opens with “Arrogant Boy,” which also served as the album’s lead single. Driven by a galloping rhythm and bursting with energy, the song provides a perfect introduction to the record. Deep Purple have always managed to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots, and “Arrogant Boy” is a prime example. The band’s unmistakable musical identity shines through immediately, from Ian Gillan’s distinctive vocals to the dynamic interplay between guitar and keyboards. The track shows a memorable melody and a blistering solo duel of guitar and Hammond while telling the story of Billy, a boy who cannot read or write but still finds a way to make himself heard by society’s elite.

The second single, “Diabolo,” follows and eases the pace slightly without sacrificing momentum. Built around a grooving foundation, the song is driven by Roger Glover’s thunderous bass lines and Ian Paice’s precise drumming. The addition of guitarist Keith Urban further enriches the arrangement, creating a track that feels both fresh and unmistakably Purple.

“The Rider” keeps the momentum flowing with its pulsating rhythm and accessible yet layered songwriting. By this point, one of the album’s greatest strengths becomes evident: its dense and electrifying production. With Bob Ezrin once again behind the controls, SPLAT! roars from the speakers with remarkable clarity and power, allowing every element of the band’s signature sound to shine.

“The Lunatic” delivers a classic Deep Purple experience with a subtle psychedelic twist before Don Airey’s unmistakable Hammond organ introduces “The Only Horse in Town.” The latter is an upbeat rocker that blossoms instantly and leads seamlessly into “Sacred Land.” Airey’s keyboards play a particularly prominent role throughout the album, emphasizing its melodic side, and “Sacred Land” showcases this aspect beautifully.

A different mood emerges with “The Beating of Wings.” Infused with bluesy textures and a soulful atmosphere, the song adds another dimension to the record. While not a ballad in the traditional sense, it provides a welcome moment of reflection amid the album’s harder-hitting tracks.

The third single, “Guild Trippin’,” was released only days before the album and quickly proves to be one of its most intriguing moments. What begins with an understated piano intro soon develops into a powerful rocker. Lyrically, the track takes a humorous and unconventional approach, imagining God and Charles Darwin meeting in a pub to discuss humanity’s shortcomings. Gillan’s near-screamed vocal passages and the song’s unusual bridge reveal new layers with each listen.

A roaring riff and pounding beat kick off “Scriblin’ Gib’rish,” while the upbeat “Jessica’s Bra” provides one of the album’s catchiest moments. The title is quickly explained in the opening lyrics—“Since you’re askin’, that’s a typo on a sign above the bar”—and Gillan’s trademark scream during the song’s closing section is a reminder that age has done little to diminish his vocal abilities. At 80 years old, the singer continues to perform with remarkable passion and vitality.

As the album moves toward its conclusion, the pulsating duo of “Third Call” and “My New Movie” keeps the energy levels high. Paice’s powerful drumming and Glover’s grooving bass work once again form the backbone of the title track, demonstrating the enduring chemistry that has always defined Deep Purple.

“Splat!” serves as a fitting conclusion to yet another strong moment in the band’s remarkable career. More than sixty years after their formation, Deep Purple remain passionate, creative, and fully committed to hard rock. The album is energetic, diverse, and consistently engaging, offering plenty of memorable moments from start to finish.

Few bands can claim such longevity while continuing to produce music of this quality. SPLAT! proves that Deep Purple still have plenty left in the tank, and these songs are likely to become even more powerful when brought to life on stage during the upcoming tour.