employs it as only one of many. His more flexible approach to writing and arranging produces a more melodic and dynamic feel. With him, Purple's music has outgrown the predictability of the past. Textures replace a reliance on volume, and changes in tone and pace more frequently contrast and augment each other. There is evidence of give and take that Deep Purple hasn't shown for some time. David Coverdale's emerging songwriting talents combine with Bolin's in "Dealer." Lord's more sophisticated keyboard work surfaces in several tunes.

A visible attempt to experiment has expanded the group's music beyond the heavy-metal trap, and this could lead them to rediscover the progressive style that somehow vanished after In Rock. (RS 206)

KRIS NICHOLSON