"Despite the sonic limitations of the two-track source material, the sheer firepower of the Jimi Hendrix Experience is palpable throughout. While Hendrix takes his guitar to dizzying levels (see "Purple Haze", a US flop), his bandmates play just as vital a role. Noel Redding's superb bass playing underpins an incendiary "Catfish Blues", which includes a precise drum solo that reveals Mitch Mitchell's jazz roots. There's also tenderness ("The Wind Cries Mary"), and Hendrix's underappreciated singing voice is warm and rich throughout. Recorded just five days before the US release of their debut album 'Are You Experienced', and with 'Axis: Bold As Love' already in the can, this is the sound of the future fighting against the odds".