DEEP PURPLE

This one is among my favorite Deep Purple albums, I don't like much the so called classic period with Ian Gillan (I just can't support his voice). However we must be honest with history, none Deep Purple's releases can be considered as part of progressive rock roots. This is classic rock with heavy tendencies and some nice instrumental sections, but there's nothing really innovative or revolutionnary in the way of composing and playing instruments. The same thing can be said about others 70's hard rockin' bands mentionned in the archives. Shades of Deep Purple was a weak album, The book of Taliesyn was just correct and this self title is certainly the most personal, refined of the three. This album contains certainly their most proggy moments despite some naive pop aspects. "Chasing shadows" is an effective acid pop song with a nice groove and cool fuzzy guitars. Blind is a beautiful nostalgic ballad mixed into a dreamy- psych vibe, with enigmatic neo classical arrengements (clearly among the best, my personal favourite and definitely progressive for this time). "Lalena" is an other emotional, langorous composition with a nice keyboard accompaniment and brillant hammond organs solos. "Fault Line" is a trippy psychedelic piece instrumental with weird effects and fuzzy guitars, short but essential. "The painter" is a punchy rock'n roll composition with a strong groove. "Bird has flown" is a bombastic heavy rockin' exercice with wha wha guitars, nothing really suprising and rather basic despite some epic Hammon organ interludes. April figures among Deep Purple forgotten classics, a vibrant neo-classical epic composition wih a really original musical aesthetic. This album is the supreme reference if your are looking for the most progressive / eclectic / emotional side of the band.