Oviedo, Spain based heavy rock trio Green Desert Water return with their sophomore release, titled Solar Plexus, out now on the always dependable Small Stone Records. Comprised of Kike Sanchis (guitar, lead vocals), Juan Arias Garcia (bass), and Javi Gonzalez (drums, backing vocals), the band take their love of all things Black Sabbath, Mountain, and Blue Cheer and cranked out an album here long on gargantuan bluesy hard rock riffs and plenty of fat grooves. "Open Your Wings" busts out of the gate with over 8-minutes of early '70s styled fury, Sanchis delivering a wealth of fuzzy & bluesy goodness, while the even heavier "Chaman" follows with a relentless assault of guitar, bass, and drum thunder, complemented nicely by some catchy hooks and vintage sounding production values. The shortest track, at just under 5-minutes, is "The Deepest Sea", but it's no less of a barnburner, Gonzalez flailing madly like a young Bill Ward or John Bonham, as Sanchis & Garcia toss out a plethora of mammoth riffage. The final three tracks are all epic, each one chock full of atmosphere and dripping with scorching guitar work, "Souls of the Woodland" especially noteworthy for its Leslie West-meets-Michael Schenker lead guitar work and the closing title track is simply a headbanger of the highest order.
As this is my first experience with Green Desert Water, I have to say I am pretty impressed at the power and might of this heavy rock trio from Spain. Solar Plexus is well worth your time and attention, and I'll be keeping a close eye on this band from this point on.
Track Listing
1. Open Your Wings 08:07
2. Chaman 07:29
3. The Deepest Sea 04:43
4. Souls Of The Woodland 07:19
5. Mother Moon 07:22
6. Solar Plexus 06:00