Having narrowly survived a brutal bus accident while on tour in the UK in 2012, Baroness have every reason to be relieved that they were able to make a fourth album at all. Prior to their dance with death, the Georgians were steadily becoming one of the hottest names in heavy music, their sprawling Yellow & Green double set earning them widespread acclaim, despite being a gentler and more diverse record than its predecessors. Purple is a far more focused and fiery beast; both a return to the stormy riffing and skewed melodies of old and a subtle but unmistakable lunge for mainstream glory. It’s a balance they pull off brilliantly. Songs such as Chlorine & Wine and Shock Me still erupt from left of centre, but there are giant hooks in abundance, frontman John Baizley’s voice has improved immeasurably and Dave Fridmann’s production has added a potent sheen to the elegantly interwoven guitar lines. Peaking with the glowering bombast of Kerosene and the woozy menace of If I Have to Wake Up ..., Baroness’s rejuvenated momentum must surely carry them beyond cosy underground circles this time around.
