The group collaborated with producer Bob Ezrin, who had also worked for their previous two albums. They enjoyed the recording and production. Its release was promoted by a series of press statements from singer Ian Gillan, such as "Another album?! Whoosh?!! Gordon Bennett!!!".[14] He explained the album's title was chosen for its onomatopoeic qualities, and "when viewed through one end of a radio-telescope, describes the transient nature of humanity on Earth".[9] He also said fans should simply listen to the album as an enjoyable experience.[9]
The album was originally set to be released on 12 June 2020, but was later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[15] Gillan said that was because distribution lines for physical media should wait until lockdowns eased and restrictions lifted.[14]
Three songs from the album were released as digital singles, beginning with "Throw My Bones".[1]
The instrumental "And the Address" first appeared as the opening track on the band's 1968 debut album Shades of Deep Purple. The only musician to feature on both recordings was drummer Ian Paice.[8]
Release
There is also a CD+DVD "limited edition" (in ‘mediabook’ packaging) that includes a full performance of Live At Hellfest 2017 (92 min), and "Roger Glover and Bob Ezrin in conversation (60 min)." This is also included in the Whoosh Box Set. [16]
Reception
The album received generally favourable reviews.[4] Several publications noticed the album contained relatively short tracks and praised the economical songwriting style.[5][8] A review in NME said the album sounded nothing like contemporary music of 2020, but suggested that "maybe that's a good thing".[9]
With a peak position of number 4, it was the band's highest-charting studio album in the United Kingdom for 46 years.
Track listing
All tracks are written by Deep Purple and Bob Ezrin except where noted.
^"Czech Albums – Top 100". ČNS IFPI. Note: On the chart page, select 202033 on the field besides the word "Zobrazit", and then click over the word to retrieve the correct chart data. Retrieved 17 August 2020.