Deep Purple / Continuing to inspire with ‘Whoosh’

‘Whoosh’ is the 21st studio album from the legendary band Deep Purple, who formed an astonishing 52 years ago. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, Deep Purple formed the blueprint for what would became Heavy Rock and Metal, inspiring generations of bands and no doubt will continue to do so for many years to come.

Deep Purple – Whoosh (earMUSIC)
Release Date: 7th August 2020
Words: Mark Taylor

Referring to the album title, Ian Gillan says: “Whoosh is an onomatopoeic word that, when viewed through one end of a radio-telescope, describes the transient nature of humanity on Earth and, through the other end from a closer perspective, illustrates the career of Deep Purple.”

Deep Purple album cover for Whoosh

‘Whoosh’ continues a fascinating, complicated and groundbreaking career, that has seen many twists and turns in the history of this well documented band.

Whilst the majority of Classic Rock bands repeat the same formula, making new albums that are pale imitations of former glories, Deep Purple have always continued to push the envelope in a direction that, first and foremost, pleases themselves, yet challenges the listener to keep a fresh ear for something new and rewarding.

Once again produced by Bob Ezrin, ‘Whoosh’ completes a trio of albums from the past seven years, where Purple are revitalised and full of fresh ideas that steer towards a Jazzy Prog odyssey with a heartbeat of sturdy Rock and Blues.

Hella Rock Festival

Older, wiser and very bold, Deep Purple have made an accessible album with a smooth clinical flow of songs full of infectious shuffles.

Lead in track ‘Throw My Bones’ has a crunching riff from the 26 years in service of Steve Morse, who soars with many sterling solos on this album.

Ian Gillan provides intelligent thought provoking and questioning lyrics throughout, as on the funky anti-gun embrace of ‘Drop The Weapon’.

‘Nothing At All’ is a featherweight, delightfully reassuring number featuring dainty Baroque organ work from Don Airey.

Many moods are explored with the spooky improachment of ‘Step By Step’, a homage to the golden age of Rock n’ Roll, with the jive of ‘What The What’ and the brace of the celestial ‘Power Of The Moon’ and the soul searching wanderlust of ‘Man Alive’.

Purple even dare to have a dab at electronica with the bedazzling ‘Dancing In My Sleep’.

An instrumental track, ‘And The Address’, is revisited from the debut album. A glorious rocket ride, driven by the solid mastery of original member Ian Paice, who brings this space ship safely back to earth from its Quantum Leap.

As with every album that Deep Purple have ever released, ‘Whoosh’ will divide opinions, yet fans will be discussing its merits and diversity of tracks with vigorous enthusiasm.

Deep Purple continue to inspire.

Just be prepared to expect the unexpected.

Sleeve Notes

Sign up for the MetalTalk Newsletter, an occasional roundup of the best Heavy Metal News, features and pictures curated by our global MetalTalk team.

More in Heavy Metal

Comments

Search MetalTalk

MetalTalk Venues

MetalTalk Venues - The Devil's Dog Digbeth
MetalTalk Venues – The Green Rooms Live Music and Rehearsal
The Patriot, Crumlin - The Home Of Rock
Interview: Christian Kimmett, the man responsible for getting the bands in at Bannerman's Bar
Cart & Horses, London. Birthplace Of Iron Maiden
The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton

New Metal News