I remember a couple of weeks ago someone warned me about the new Deep Purple album. Recordings were done in the same studios used by Korn in the past and this coupled with the fact that neither Lord nor Blackmore were part of the band anymore could only lead to a disastrous album. Or at least that was that particular person's opinion on the matter. By now it should be clear to pretty much the rest of the world though, that during the last ten years Deep Purple has managed to sound fresher and more innovative than they did in the 15 years or so after that legendary first decade.
On Rapture Of The Deep this is no different. Being their second release with the current lineup (Gillan / Glover / Morse / Airey / Paice) and a surprisingly quick follow-up to 2003's Bananas (considering the time in between Abandon and Bananas is no less than five years after all - a huge difference compared to the mere two it took them for this one). The band again manages to release a more than worthwhile collection of songs, and even manages to make it their best album since 95's brilliant Purpendicular.
Opening track Money Talks sets the tone for the rest of the album straight away. A rocking tune with an excellent, organic production and stellar performances by the entire band. In fact it is clear from the start that this is easily the best production Purple has had in years. The crystal clear sound coupled with the spectacular and often very spontaneous playing of Morse and Airey (who seems to be a lot more active and present than on Bananas) actually make sure that the band sounds surprisingly close to how they do during a live performance. Of course it doesn't need to be said that Paice and Glover are as tight as ever and even Ian Gillan seems to be going through a remarkably solid phase of his career as well (which was quite different in the 80's and even in the beginning of the 90's).
Highlights are plenty, with really no weak song or moment to be found during it's more than 50 minute playing time. Clearly Quite Absurd is an excellent ballad with a beautiful melody and easily ranks up there with Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming; Junkyard Blues manages to impress with it's superb solo parts and the playful Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye somewhat reminds of Rosa's Cantina (especially during it's opening moment). Rapture Of The Deep itself finally, is easily the strongest title track the band has had ever since that magic Perfect Strangers (which is quite something to say, since that is a song which I easily consider among the best Deep Purple songs of all time).
It should be obvious from reading the above that Rapture Of The Deep is another excellent effort by Purple and above all, proves once more that the lads are quite some time removed from their retirement. In fact there simply is no other bands around that have lasted as long as Deep Purple have (35+ years and counting !!) and still manage to come up with great, worthwhile and above all relevant studio outputs and sublime live performances in the way they have. Respect!