Purpendicular: Banned

There are bands that wear their influences proudly, and then there’s Purpendicular, a group that doesn’t just honor Deep Purple’s legacy but lives it. Their 2025 release, Banned, feels like a direct continuation of Purple’s Purpendicular era, when Steve Morse took over the guitar reins from Ritchie Blackmore and added a fresh melodic approach to the band’s hard rock roots.

With Banned, Purpendicular delivers a hard blues�"driven record that proudly channels that very spirit, not surprising, considering that this marks the first time Ian Paice joins the band as a full member, bringing along his unmistakable groove and swing. Add to that Irish vocalist Robby Thomas Walsh, whose phrasing recalls late-era Gillan, and guitarist Murray Gould, whose playing shines through moments like his stunning solo in the moody “You Better Behave,� and you get a lineup that feels both fresh and nostalgically familiar.

The groovy and memorable “The Escape� sets the tone early on, while the politically charged title track “Banned� adds bite and attitude. The hard blues vibe dominates the album, evident in tunes like “Too Hard to Please� and the heartfelt closer “The End,� showcasing both the band’s maturity and Paice’s timeless sense of rhythm. “Seventies Kid,� with its hook-laced swagger, stands as the ultimate nod to that early Morse-era sound, merging nostalgia and new energy in equal measure.

While Banned doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel, it rolls with confidence and authenticity, a record that proves Purpendicular is far more than just a tribute outfit. They’re a living, breathing extension of a classic lineage, keeping that spirit alive for a new generation of fans… Cheers!

Track Listing:
1. Inferno (3:15)
2. Beast (2:20)
3. The Escape (3:39)
4. Blood Red Moon (3:43)
5. You Better Behave (6:06)
6. Banned (4:51)
7. Too Hard To Please (4:00)
8. Seventies Kid (4:11)
9. The End (4:50)

Added: October 27th 2025
Reviewer: Jose Antonio Marmol
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 196
Language: english

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