Deep Purple 'Splat!' album review: Classic Purple, new twists

SPLAT! proves that Deep Purple have no intention of slowing down. Rather than simply revisiting past glories, the band continue to push themselves creatively, delivering an album that feels both classic and refreshingly modern. While the songs explore themes of transformation, mortality and the future of humanity, they never lose the sense of fun and musical adventure that has always made Deep Purple unique.

Opening track Arrogant Boy has the same relentless bite and drive as Highway Star, immediately reminding you why this band helped define hard rock in the first place. Don Airey's keyboard playing is simply outstanding, bursting with the kind of progressive flourishes that have become his trademark. He sounds as inspired as ever, weaving dazzling runs throughout the album without ever overshadowing the songs.

This is Simon McBride's second studio album with the band, and he feels completely at home. His guitar work slots naturally into the classic Purple sound while bringing his own energy and style. This isn't a band trying to recreate the 1970s, it's Deep Purple doing what they do better than almost anyone else.

Ian Gillan remains one of rock's great storytellers. His lyrics are humorous, cinematic and often thought-provoking, particularly when tackling the album's recurring themes of metaphysics and the possible end of humanity. Guilt Trippin' is a standout, built around a dirty blues groove while exploring the age-old battle between God and Darwin. Elsewhere, one of the album's most surprising moments draws on Scottish history, with echoes of bagpipes woven into a song about rival clans, giving the record another unexpected twist and Jessica's Bra offers plenty of tongue-in-cheek humour.

Producer Bob Ezrin once again captures the band perfectly, allowing every instrument room to breathe while preserving the power and spontaneity of a live performance.

At a stage when many of their peers are content to trade on nostalgia, SPLAT! finds Deep Purple sounding hungry, inventive and full of confidence. More than five decades into their career, they continue to prove why they remain one of rock's greatest and most enduring bands.