FIREBALL

After the achievement of the In Rock album DP presented their new record to a public that had expected something like In Rock II - what they did get was Fireball, a disappointment for many. Not for this reviewer. It is different from the albums it is wedged in, but not mediocre. Instead DP made use of their talent to let every song sound differently. Is there anywhere in the Purple catalogue a record that is as multi-facetted as this one? Since In Rock was in every respect an extreme album at the time it is clear that they didn't want to be reduced or confined to this style (not even Machine Head had this overdrive approach). It is odd to see that the band always had to face reduced record sales when they tried something else (just think of Who do we think we are - or Stormbringer). So this is a good record with the usual high flying musicianship. The essential songs on this outing are (IMHO): Fireball, Demon's Eye, Anyone's Daughter (oh yes!), No one came. The other three (No No No, The Mule and Fools) are missing my center of taste a bit but have to be respected for their different approach. 4 stars