Legendary British hard rockers DEEP PURPLE have released “Pictures Of You“, a 4-track EP featuring songs from their upcoming album “=1”, plus two previously unreleased live recordings from 2022 in Milan, Italy: “When A Blind Man Cries” and “Uncommon Man” – the intro guitar solo on the lattes is just outstanding.
The single will be released on CD and 12-inch vinyl on June 28, 2024, with each format being strictly limited to 5,000 pieces worldwide, and each copy being numbered by hand.
“=1” is due on July 19. The LP marks DEEP PURPLE’s first material with new guitarist Simon McBride, who stepped in two years ago following Steve Morse’s departure. DEEP PURPLE continues its charge of recent years, releasing strong albums and filling arenas around the world, adding yet more layers to its 100-million-album-selling legacy.
The band is credited as one of the key originators of heavy rock and has constantly progressed its boundaries of music. They are fronted by Ian Gillan, whose vocals have defined generations, accompanied by the masterful bassist Roger Glover, the powerhouse drummer Ian Paice, and the maestro on keyboards Don Airey.
“=1” is the band’s first album with McBride, who seamlessly slotted in when longtime member Morse left due to personal circumstances. Since 2022, Simon has already played to DEEP PURPLE audiences totaling more than half a million people.
But DEEP PURPLE is more than just their members and “=1” embodies the essence and attitude of their 1970s incarnation possibly more than any other album in recent memory. With the legendary Bob Ezrin once again producing, the record evokes the pioneering band’s classic sound, without relying on nostalgia.
The enigmatic title “=1” symbolizes the idea that in a world growing ever more complex, everything eventually simplifies down to a single, unified essence. Everything equals one. Its full meaning will be revealed in the coming weeks, with the artwork also playing its part.
Fans have already been speculating after mysterious equations and depictions of multiverses appeared in London, Paris and Berlin in recent days.
Tracklist:
01. Pictures of You (03:51)
02. Portable Door (03:48)
03. When a Blind Man Cries (Live in Milan 2022) (05:18)
04. Uncommon Man (Live in Milan 2022) (06:46)
Deep Purple – Pictures of You (2024) [EP]
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