DEEP PURPLE – Splat!

“Where we are now with this incarnation of Deep Purple feels very much like a very ‘now’ version of Deep Purple as it was in the seventies,” says frontman Ian Gillan in a press release promoting Splat! (2026), the band’s 24th studio album. Gillan’s statement is the perfect description for the new album because it showcases where Deep Purple are currently at as a band. Guitarist Simon McBride replacing guitarist Steve Morse marked a new era for Deep Purple and breathed new life into the legendary rock group that’s been around since 1968. Talk about a gift from the rock ‘n’ roll heavens! Bob Ezrin returned to the producer’s chair, providing a clear and sonically, breathtaking atmosphere for Splat!, allowing everyone in the band to shine. Is it better than Deep Purple in Rock (1970)? No, but it’s really good! Gillan can no longer do those screams for “Child in Time” and no one should expect him to still be able to do them, but Deep Purple adjusted their sound and found a formula that works for them in the 21st century.

Cooking Up Big Time

The album’s first single, “Arrogant Boy,” lyrically is reminiscent of “Lazy Sod” from the band’s previous album, =1 (2024), in a sense where it’s not meant to be taken seriously, but the story is intriguing to follow along with. Roger Glover’s driving bass line leads the way full speed ahead. Not in a “Speed King” way, but good enough for the aging rockers. “Diablo,” the album’s second single is about taking chances and living dangerously, even if it’s for a short while. It’s got a sick groove that’s impossible not to move to, the melodies are super catchy, and Keith Urban guest stars on guitar. “The Beating of Wings” has a jazzy feel and there’s a sophistication to the instrumentation that provides a comforting feel. McBride knocks it out of the park with a tasteful, bluesy guitar solo.

The album’s third single, “Guilt Trippin,’” is an absolute blast! Gillan is duetting with his former self on the verses. Not with his Deep Purple in Rock self, but his screaming self in an 80-year-old body. The band sounds like they’re having fun on this track, especially keyboardist Don Airey and McBride. Airey does his jazzy thing before giving McBride permission to deliver the blues. “Guilt Trippin’” could’ve been an instrumental and that would’ve been fine as well because holy cow, the instrumentation is fire! “Jessica’s Bra” is another song that shows off the band’s sense of humor. It’s a silly song that is not meant to be taken seriously, but it’s memorable and entertaining. Gillan does a little shriek at the end to honor his former self. By the way, is the fella sipping water through a straw really motionless or is he dead? Who knows! The album closes with the title track and boy, is it a banger! It’s got a funky groove and Glover’s juicy bass line is the main attraction.

Final Assessment

Deep Purple are one of those older bands who got better as they got older and that’s refreshing to see. McBride and Airey are the stars of Splat!. They’re not showing off in a cocky sense; they’re just coloring up the music as best as they can. McBride and Airey have a good thing going on, and are cooking up big time. As mentioned before, Ezrin’s production is amazing. He’s been working with Deep Purple since Now What?! (2013), so it’s almost impossible to imagine a Deep Purple album without his production in their later career. For those who are interested in banging hard rock with progressive influences, give Deep Purple’s Splat! a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. Arrogant Boy
2. Diablo
3. The Rider
4. The Lunatic
5. The Only Horse in Town
6. Sacred Land
7. The Beating of Wings
8. Guilt Trippin’
9. Scriblin’ Gib’rish
10. Jessica’s Bra
11. Third Call
12. My New Movie
13. Splat!

Band Lineup

Ian Gillan – lead vocals
Simon McBride – guitars
Roger Glover – bass guitar
Ian Paice – drums
Don Airey – keyboards

Check out the music video for “Guilt Trippin’” from Deep Purple’s Splat! album!