Twenty-eight years after the band's inception,
Deep Purple
venture into the most adventurous album of their storied career. With guitar virtuoso
Steve Morse
, of ex-
Dixie Dregs
and
Kansas
fame, replacing the legendary
Ritchie Blackmore
(his second departure from the band), fans get the breadth of
Morse
's influences. The scope of the music goes into uncharted beats like the finger-snapping
"Hey Ciso"
"Rosa's Cantina,"
and the acoustic-flavored Scottish highlander feel of
"The Aviator."
"Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming"
is one of their best songs in years, beginning with a soft acoustic intro before being rocked up to the turbo-charged chorus full of lyrical wit.
"A Touch Away"
introduces fans to the band's first true
ballad
, a lovely piece of acoustic summertime fare. ~ Glen Miller