DEEP PURPLE – “Portable Door” (2024 EARmusic)

Deep Purple’s first new album with Simon McBride on guitar will be out July 19.  Called =1 (“equals one”), it is largely a mystery what the album will sound like.  Many predicted a return to “hard rock” after the last three more progressive albums.  The first single “Portable Door” is not all that different from the Steve Morse era.  Don Airey’s organ really dominates the solo section, as it should be.  Simon’s guitar work is sublime but not showcased as some had hoped.  He has this one cool lick in the riff that is really electrifying, but we want more Simon!

Ian Gillan? Reliable as ever, his voice has worn in like suede. He can still sing the hooks.  Haters call him “over and done” – fans don’t care. Ian Paice is the backbone, always smooth, always identifiable, infallible. With Ian Paice on drums, Deep Purple will always sound like Deep Purple. His work here is busier than the we’ve become used to…which is just fine!

How does “Portable Door” stack up against recent Purple singles?  It doesn’t have that instant “wham!” of “Vincent Price”, and it doesn’t have the hooks of “Johnny’s Band”.  It’s a strong, workmanlike latter day Deep Purple single that will grow with increasing listens.

Let’s just hope for more Simon next time.

4/5 stars