Deep Purple – =1
Reviewed by: Blake Mossey
Review Score: 8
Deep Purple‘s 2024 release, =1, is an intriguing blend of classic rock reverence and modern energy, showing a band still in the creative game after nearly seven decades. With this album, Deep Purple doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but rather, they refine it, polishing their iconic sound while infusing it with a fresh dynamism courtesy of their new guitarist, Simon McBride.
From the outset, =1 hooks you with its opening track, ‘Show Me,’ a punchy introduction that blends the band’s vintage hard rock vibes with a contemporary edge. Ian Gillan’s vocals remain remarkably potent, delivering lyrics that oscillate between the introspective and the performative, particularly in tracks like ‘Portable Door’ and the blues-driven ‘No Money to Burn.’
McBride, though new to the fold, doesn’t shy away from the spotlight, bringing a heavier, sharper guitar presence that breathes new life into the band’s sound. His work on ‘Lazy Sod’ and ‘Sharp Shooter’ stands out as some of the album’s most invigorating moments, offering up riffs that are as much a nod to the past as they are a step into the future.
The album’s centerpiece, ‘If I Were You,’ slows things down, giving Gillan space to explore a more reflective vocal style. This track is a bit of a departure from the rest of the album, with its subdued melodies and airy guitar work, but it serves as a poignant reminder of the band’s versatility and depth.
In many ways, =1 feels like a conversation between the past and the present. It’s an album that respects Deep Purple’s storied history while also acknowledging the present, all without sounding like a band resting on its laurels. Instead, they are still pushing forward, even if they’re not necessarily breaking new ground. The album is a solid entry into their discography, with enough highlights to keep long-time fans satisfied and perhaps even draw in some newer listeners.
If there’s one takeaway from =1, it’s that Deep Purple is far from finished. They may be older, but they’re still hungry, still creative, and still very much in the game. For anyone who’s ever loved Deep Purple, this album will feel like a welcome homecoming—a blend of nostalgia and newness that’s as comforting as it is exciting.