Review: Deeper Purple – Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh

Last month, whilst sitting in Edinburgh’s Voodoo Rooms for a lovely bottle of Sauvignon Blanc with Mrs. QR, I happened upon a poster for ‘Deeper Purple’. For those unaware of seminal 60’s/70’s/80’s hard rock and heavy metal, they were (obviously) a cover band for the legendary UK group, Deep Purple. If that means nothing to you, then that’s the band responsible for ‘Smoke on the Water’ and its immortal guitar riff.

(Readers, Deep Purple have a legendary discography beyond that world-conquering number — many of you will be aware, but others would do well to discover it.)

Anyhoo, the merits (or otherwise) of their inspirations aside, how are Deeper Purple, themselves celebrating their 10th anniversary of existence?

The answer is absolutely cracking.

Celebrating Deep Purple’s Legacy With Skill and Heart

Honestly, I will never see the original band in any of its iterations, be it Mark I, II, III, or IV in their youthful pomp and at the height of their powers. At least one is deceased, and some of the others are long-retired. For the uninitiated, Deep Purple have changed the line-up several times, hence the Marks 1–IV — expecting one 5-piece band to emulate a discography first created by 4 distinct iterations of the band is insane.

So, very wisely, Deeper Purple centre their sets upon the Mark II version of the band — the one responsible for the seminal Made in Japan album — it does contain ‘that song’ plus many other all-time bangers. Not one of these multi-instrumental, hard-hitting tracks is remotely easy to deliver — yet Deeper Purple revel in it.

Honestly, they are ridiculously good.

“…how are Deeper Purple, themselves celebrating their 10th anniversary of existence?

The answer is absolutely cracking.“

Powerhouse Performances and Stellar Musicianship

FYI, the demands of this album are a frontman who can cover an insane range from baritone to screaming tenor, surrounded by a band of instrumentalists capable of some magnificent feats of hard rock musicianship. Of course, that isn’t hard enough, so Deeper Purple and their sensationally golden-voiced frontman Luka Ravase dig into the band’s wider discography for more gems.

So long before they close with that ‘Smoke’ song, they have utterly entertained their audiences, opening with immortal tune ‘Highway Star’ and journeying onto a sensational, and probably better than Deep Purple’s recording of, ‘Bad Attitude’ (from an album made almost 14 years after the opening number).

The audience will also spend ample time with sensational synth-keyboardist Dave Chapman, outstanding lead guitarist Rob Sas, stonking drummer Thomas Hauser, and the compelling rhythmic bass-guitar of Phil Crombie.

Each is given ample time to shine, whether it’s Hauser leading out ‘The Mule’ or Sas giving it big licks in every second (or more) number. If you happen to be a fan of synth-rock, then Chapman’s nimble fingers opening the shebang with the aforementioned ‘Highway Star’ is just wonderful.

An Authentic Tribute That Captures the Spirit of Deep Purple

Most importantly, ten years together have made them a darn tight band, and they leave absolutely nothing in the dressing room.

Indeed, the only note I have for the band is that they do have a wonderful chap on the soundboard so that they all get their place in the audio-sun, but they could be just a tad more generous with the bass line. Deep Purple are a band that powered much of their material along on a wave of bass, and they have an able navigator in the shape of Crombie. They should set him loose a little more and let him sweep them along just as emphatically as Hauser does on the drums.

“Most importantly, ten years together have made them a darn tight band, and they leave absolutely nothing in the dressing room.”

Otherwise, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending you grab a ticket to see Deeper Purple when they next return to Edinburgh or anywhere else near enough to make the journey. They are so very, very good that if you’ve never heard of Deep Purple, and don’t know their work at all, you should still see Deeper Purple — that’s how good they are.

A Must-See Show for Rock Fans and Newcomers Alike

They promise, “… a blistering set consisting of all the classics and the best reproduction of the Purple live sound you’re ever likely to hear…” and that’s what they deliver and more. Amazingly, they stepped on stage at 8:30pm in Edinburgh and took barely a breath until 10:50pm. I don’t quite know how they managed such an epic set, but they did — thanks to the gods of beer and coffee (I think).

There isn’t a bum song in the set, whether plucked from the more obscure depths of the Deep Purple discography or mined from their core Made in Japan material. It could be the catchy ‘Woman from Tokyo’ or the seemingly impossible notes of ‘Child in Time’ — they make it look easy. Of course, it’s anything but; they are just that good.

Of course, I’m not an expert Rock or Metal critic, but I do know I’ll be back next year, assuming they stop by in Edinburgh again. If you love your rock hard, melodic, and delivered with charm and power, you’ll be there too.

P.S. Thanks to Sarah-Louise Young and her superb 2024 Fringe show, I Am Your Tribute, The Quinntessential Review household is far more open to seeing tribute bands than before.