NOW WHAT?!

"Em time que está ganhando não se mexe".

That old Brazilian adage exemplifies very well what Deep Purple is doing here: without changing its classic and iconic style, they continue to offer their fans their sound ever, resulting in one of the most enjoyable releases of 2013. The title Now What?! shows the band having fun in countering expectations, since no one imagined that they were releasing a new album. And many, like me, were surprised by one of his best releases.

The sound here is much more than a modern version of their classic 70s, being an extension of all that has been doing throughout his 45 year career. If you are a fan of them (like me) then you will not have to complain. Members remain as proeficientes as before, and I have to give special congratulations to Don Airey, which proves a more than capable replacement for the late Jon Lord (who is duly honored and remembered in this album), showing tons of Hammond organ. What more can you ask for in an album of Deep Purple? I'm more than satisfied.

The first song, A Simple Song, is one of the highlights here, with an introduction idyllic and pastoral care that much reminds me of the classic Child in Time. In about two minutes the music gives an interesting twist, bursting in hard rock by which this band is so well known. Other highlights include the two longest, Out of Hand and progressive Uncommon Man (with an opening very Gilmour-esque), the bluesy Blood from a Stone and It'll Be Me (which is a bonus track), Above and Beyond is of course the sinister Vincent Price (my favorite here). But there is not a weak track on this album, and personally it's my favorite along with Deep Purple Machine Head, second only to Burn.

4.5 stars, rounded up.

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