earMUSIC [Release date 28.03.25]

Current Deep Purple ivory tinkler Don Airey, he of over 300 album recordings since the mid 70s, releases his new album while Deep Purple are still working hard. This man never stops.

And this is Don’s first studio album since 2018, having since issued three live albums with Ian Gillan and the 2021 Live In Hamburg sets. And also featuring are long time guitarist Simon McBride (also currently in Deep Purple) and vocalist Carl Sentence (Krokus, Geezer Butler, Persian Risk and Nazareth), as well as vocalist Micthell Emms, drummer Jon Finnigan and bassist Dave Markes.

The opener is the current single ‘Tell Me’, and from the outset it’s very heavy, and well produced, giving it that “Smack in the face” feel. Early on with get a blistering sound with the keyboards tracking the guitar line, moving to a damn solid guitar solo. This seamlessly blends with a guitar solo (I’m thinking Torme/Towns in ‘The Secret Of The Dance’, it’s THAT good), and the keyboards steamroller you like a train with a cattlecatcher, it’s over too soon.

‘Keep On Running’ is a slower but chunky and heavy track, there’s a classical element to Airey’s keyboards and the layered harmonies in the chorus work well too. The toning of the guitar from light to heavy and back all whilst keeping it melodic works really well.

Then there’s ‘Moon Rising’, upper mid-paced with a lovely rhythm, and a good temp0 switch up half way through. ‘Rock The Melody’ does just that, another great heavy listen.

Then we’re hit by ‘Flame In The Water’, and it’s instantly my favourite track so far. And the softest too. A well crafted string laden ballad with some powerful heartfelt vocals, perfect keyboard work, drums bass and guitar perfectly blended. A track that transports you somewhere else has done its job perfectly and this is exactly that. It builds nicely, to a full on metal shred, kinda like a heavy metal take on ‘Fall Of The Peacemakers’. A surprise and perfect too.

Then ‘Out Of Focus’ brings the heaviness back into focus. Some great vocals, backed by some great chord structures, then a distinct shift in the sound where it almost goes a metal Purple jam, with the guitar and keyboards trading licks like kids in a sweet shop. ‘Power Of Change’ has a purple undertone, some thunderous drums and snaking keyboard lines too.

Another softer stringed track ‘Girl From Highland Park’, but this is much more whimsical. A fine instrumental that provides an interlude,

‘Godz Of War’ is a little more grandiose, the chord structure hinting at a slowed down War Of The Worlds, and there’s hints of Don’s work with Cozy Powell back in the day. Then at 5 minutes (this epic runs 20 seconds shy of 8 minutes) there’s a force 10 tempo change before swinging back, a blast of keys and strings flying.

‘Edge Of Reality’ finishes, some stranger effects but a good listen.

Overall the album is heavier than I’d expected, but he’s worked with Simon and Carl long enough that they do anything together and pull it off. And this is a truly excellent album. ****1/2

Review by Joe Geesin

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 21 April 2025

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REDIKIN Nailed It (Wormholedeath)
PENNY FOUNTAIN Euphoria (indie)
CRY FOR MERCY Saving Grace (indie)
VIGILANTES Life In The Fast Brain (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 21 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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