NOW WHAT?!

The band is still releasing albums after more than 50 years, delivering their sophisticated hard rock driven by the great organ and the excellent guitar work of Mr. Morse. This album is full of solid songs with the same energy as the past. The first song puts you in the mood for what comes next. As the title says, "A Simple Song" has a slow intro before the blast of guitars and the typical Deep Purple hooks with an intact Ian Gillan voice. We don't miss Jon Lord's keys here; maybe he is still there. In the second track, you can enjoy Don Airey, who is on fire with tasty keyboard lines. "Out of Hand" continues to impress with this catchy hook and a second part that shows the great guitar playing of Morse. "Hell to Pay" begins with a straightforward hard rock vibe before a nice ELP break where you think you are listening to Keith Emerson in the song "Rondo." "Body Line, the drum intro, makes you think it's the beginning of the song "Animate" by Rush; no, it's the typical bluesy groove of the band. "Above and Beyond" brings some Prog Rock parts that are simply brilliant! The next song gives us a little break with a change of pace in a lighter atmosphere. The longest track of the album, "Uncommon Man," goes back and forth from peaceful moments to more dynamic passages. "Apres Vous" has some symphonic arrangement in the middle before Don Airey and Morse show their talent. We have again that symphonic arrangement in the "Vincent Price" intro, which is a nice ending to the album.

It's not often that a band that has been around for more than 50 years can write music of that quality. The inspiration for great songwriting is still there, and for me, it's on the same level as their past albums.