Deep Purple - Infinite

inFinite is the twentieth studio album by British hard rock band Deep Purple, released in April 2017 via earMusic.

With an album titled inFinite and a concurrent live foray called The Long Goodbye Tour, Deep Purple seem to be sending out contradictory messages. Do they intend to go on forever, or as long as physiology dictates (drummer Ian Paice suffered a mini stroke in 2016), or are they about to call time on their near five-decade career and join Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath in the retirement home for rock pioneers?

inFinite is Deep Purple’s first studio album since 2013’s acclaimed Now What?! As well, it’s their first major release since the band’s long overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After such a late career surge and critical recognition, one might speculate that more than a few bands would give in to temptation by kicking back for a while and coasting on their good fortune.

In the case of Deep Purple, such speculation does not apply.

Like their previous studio offering (Now What?!), InFinite was recorded in Nashville with veteran Bob Ezrin sitting in the production seat. Once again, the modern sonic quality of the recording showcases the band’s classic rock style. Furthermore, keyboardist Don Airey has been quoted as saying InFinite is “more prog” and “heavier” than their last album.

The title is appropriate because there’s a very real sense of timelessness on InFinite. This doesn’t sound like a bunch of old guys trying to recapture their glory days; Deep Purple is tight, and hits the groove in each song. Not only do guitarist Steve Morse and bassist Roger Glover still supply the requisite firepower in their respective positions, but drummer Ian Paice seems to have recovered nicely from a minor stroke he suffered in 2015. Meanwhile, keyboardist Don Airey continues to carve out his own legacy after replacing original member Jon Lord in 2002.

And let’s not forget frontman Ian Gillan, who seems to have settled into a comfortable range for his voice, avoiding the swoops and screams of his Deep Purple heyday, yet still having the strength to deliver the goods as an elder statesman of hard rock. He sounds like a man half his age, singing lyrical observations of a man who has been around the block more than a few times.

There are a few standout tracks, of course. The opener, “Time For Bedlam”, begins with some chanting robotic weirdness, then settles in right away as a solid opener. “You can bury me up to my knees in s—,” quips Gillan in “Hip Boots”, followed by some great riffing from the band. And “The Surprising” is nearly six minutes of the most prog sounding piece the band has recorded in a long time.

The one indulgence on the album might be the closing track, a cover of “Roadhouse Blues”, re-keyed so the band can play it as a fairly sleazy blues rocker – which it is. But no one should begrudge old rock heroes taking the occasional victory lap.

Rock ‘n’ roll can be like an infinite racing oval, where on occasion the best bands get a chance to reinvent themselves and start over. Throughout its career, Deep Purple has always known that, and on inFinite gets yet another chance to prove it.

This double album 2LP record set housed in a gatefold sleeve with printed inners and a DVD video is pressed in Germany on  45 RPM 180 gram heavyweight vinyl.