Visions for the Celestial in Bloomington, MN

Judging from
Visions for the Celestial
, this New Zealand power trio has it all: a very strong rock guitarist recalling
Frank Marino
or even
Jimi Hendrix
, a solid singer with a warm voice capable of excitement and a potent rhythm section. Somewhere between blues rock and space rock,
Datura
is part
the Jimi Hendrix Experience
, part
ZZ Top
with a zest of
Hawkwind
and
Meddle
-era
Pink Floyd
for flavor. This is in space rock country, but in power trio format -- swirling keyboards are occasional and only the 15-minute closer
"Mantra"
is overtly spacy. Entering the album by the front door, you'll be greeted by
"Magnetize,"
a powerful
Hendrixian
blues rock number with decibels aplenty.
Brent Middlemiss
' guitar is the center of attention, being put forward in the mix, over
Jon Burnside
's square drumming (reminiscent of
John Bonham
) and often drowning
Craig Williamson
's vocals -- but this detail doesn't really get in the way of the listener's pleasure. Of course,
doesn't break any new grounds, but this band is surprisingly solid and mature. What they do, they do very well, and guitar fans and nostalgic persons of a time when rock was visceral should definitely listen to
. ~ Francois Couture