Deep Purple – Purpendicular (1996): A Bold New Era for the Rock Legends
By 1996, Deep Purple had entered a new chapter in their storied career. Following the departure of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, the band welcomed Steve Morse, a virtuosic guitarist known for his technical skill and versatility. This lineup shift led to the release of Purpendicular, an album that reinvigorated Deep Purple’s sound with fresh energy, intricate riffs, and a renewed sense of creativity.
Album Overview
Album: Purpendicular
Artist: Deep Purple
Release Date: February 1996
Label: EMI / Eagle Rock
Genre: Hard rock, progressive rock
Length: 58:40
Producer: Deep Purple & Pat Regan
Purpendicular marked a turning point for Deep Purple. With Steve Morse joining, the band explored more progressive, experimental, and melodic directions, blending their classic hard rock roots with modern influences. The album features the Mark II reunion lineup minus Blackmore: Ian Gillan (vocals), Jon Lord (keyboards), Roger Glover (bass), Ian Paice (drums), and Steve Morse (guitar).
The album showcases a renewed sense of songwriting freedom, allowing each member to contribute to arrangements and improvisation. Tracks vary from heavy rockers to bluesy jams and progressive compositions, making Purpendicular one of the most diverse albums in Deep Purple’s catalog.
Mini Review
Purpendicular is widely regarded as a revitalization of Deep Purple’s sound. The opening track, “Vavoom: Ted the Mechanic”, features catchy riffs, inventive guitar work from Morse, and Ian Gillan’s signature vocals.
Other highlights include “Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming”, a melodic rock masterpiece blending emotional vocals, soaring guitar lines, and atmospheric keyboards. Tracks like “The Aviator” and “Beneath the Surface” showcase the band’s willingness to experiment with song structures and progressive rock elements.
Morse’s guitar work brought technical precision and versatility, refreshing the band’s signature sound without compromising their hard rock identity. Fans and critics praised the album for both honoring Deep Purple’s legacy and pushing into new musical territory.
Tracklist
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Vavoom: Ted the Mechanic
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Time to Kill
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Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming
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Beneath the Surface
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Any Fule Kno That
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Loosen My Strings
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The Aviator
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Vavoom: Ted the Mechanic (Reprise)
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A Touch Away
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Fingerprints
Notable Tracks
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Vavoom: Ted the Mechanic: Upbeat opener with inventive guitar riffs and Gillan’s dynamic vocals.
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Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming: Melodic, emotional, and one of the standout tracks of the Morse era.
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Beneath the Surface: Progressive and experimental track showcasing the band’s creative evolution.
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Loosen My Strings: Bluesy, riff-driven rock song with catchy hooks and tight instrumentation.
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Fingerprints: Instrumental track highlighting the band’s technical skill and musical cohesion.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Steve Morse Debut: Purpendicular was the first Deep Purple album featuring Steve Morse on guitar.
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Revitalized Sound: Morse’s influence brought a fresh approach to songwriting and guitar solos.
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Progressive Influence: The album blends classic hard rock with progressive and experimental elements.
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Fan Favorites: Tracks like Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming remain staples in Deep Purple’s live performances.
Goofs & Missteps
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Some longtime fans missed Ritchie Blackmore’s signature guitar style.
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Certain experimental tracks may feel less accessible to fans expecting classic 1970s Deep Purple.
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The production, while polished, may come across as too clean for listeners seeking rawer, classic hard rock.
Commercial Performance & Legacy
Purpendicular was well-received critically and commercially, marking a successful reinvention of Deep Purple in the post-Blackmore era. The album reaffirmed the band’s relevance in the 1990s rock scene and introduced Steve Morse as a permanent and highly influential member.
Over time, Purpendicular has been recognized as a turning point in Deep Purple’s career, proving that the band could innovate, experiment, and continue delivering high-quality rock music decades into their career.
Conclusion
Purpendicular represents a bold and successful reinvention for Deep Purple. From the inventive riffs of “Vavoom: Ted the Mechanic” to the melodic beauty of “Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming” and the experimental edge of “Beneath the Surface”, the album showcases the band’s adaptability, technical skill, and enduring creativity.
For fans of classic hard rock and progressive experimentation, Purpendicular is a must-listen, highlighting a band unafraid to evolve while honoring its legendary roots.
