Mask finds Deep Purple bassist and producer Roger Glover stepping out from the shadow of his legendary band to build a vivid, studio-crafted world of his own. Released in 1984, the album leans into the adventurous side of ‘80s rock: guitars share space with synth textures, layered vocals, and carefully sculpted atmospheres that reveal Glover’s producer’s ear at every turn.
What makes Mask compelling is how personal it feels. You can hear a songwriter pushing past hard rock expectations, flirting with pop hooks one moment and darker, more cinematic moods the next. Rather than chasing radio trends, Glover folds new-wave sheen, art-rock ambition, and classic rock sensibility into something idiosyncratic but surprisingly accessible.
On vinyl, the album’s production really comes alive—the low end is warm without being bloated, and the detailed arrangements reward a focused listen. For collectors, Mask is a fascinating piece of the extended Deep Purple universe, capturing a key member exploring his own voice in the mid-’80s studio playground. If you enjoy rock records that take risks, value strong songwriting, and appreciate the craft behind the console, this is a worthy and often overlooked addition to the shelf.
Track List:
A1 - Divided World - 5:12
A2 - Getting Stranger - 4:07
A3 - The Mask - 7:32
A4 - Fake It - 4:42
B1 - Dancin' Again - 3:30
B2 - (You're So) Remote - 4:46
B3 - Hip Level - 7:19
B4 - Don't Look Down - 3:41