MADE IN ENGLAND

Lots of line-up changes for this album, amongst which Chris Farlowe from "Colosseum". I was expecting a return to a more heavy rock sound (like in their debut and "Death Walks.") and I hoped that the bluesy feeling of "In Hearing" was a forgotten aspect.

I have to say that it is not quite true with this album. After a strongly jazz-oriented intro ("Time Is My Life"), the Rooster offers one of their worst song IMO: a kind of Motown anthem. The same dull mood is repeated during "Little Bit Of Inner Air".

This album is unfortunately dominated with alien rock influences. The soul-oriented "Don't Know." can't captivate me either. But soul, jazz and blues don't belong to my standards.

I am deeply missing their great hard-rock and heavy music of the early days. So much better than the one featured on this record. I would point out the funky/heavy instrumental "Breathless" as a highlight out of this work, but far to reach the intensity of "Spoonful" for instance. But due to little competition, it has to be regarded as an outstanding track from "Made In England".

There is even a true rock song (would you believe!) : "Space Cowboy". It is indeed a strange title and one could expect the worse out of it, but it is actually a solid heavy track featuring some bombastic and scary vocals. One of my fave from the album, just because it is the most linked with the period of the band I prefer.

After this one, "People You Can Trust" is a type of "press next" song.

"All In Satan's Name" is an excellent model of what Purple will do later on under the Hughes umbrella. Heavy blues-rock and excellent rhythm. Another good song from this album, which IMO is seriously lacking more tracks as this one. The poor closing won't save the deal, I'm afraid

The two bonus tracks available on the CD edition won't raise the average level of this album, even if a great and heavy psychedelic intro for "Satan's Wheel" is more than welcome. Unfortunately, it is followed by some other bluesy/funky savours which I can't bear.

Two stars.