Review: Russell Guns ‘Medusa’
By Martine Ehrenclou
Jack Russell and Tracii Guns make an interesting match for a collaborative debut album Medusa, out Jan 12 via Frontiers Music s.r.l. Two of the biggest names in 80s rock and metal, Russell was lead singer/frontman and founder of Great White and Tracii Guns is founder and guitarist for L.A. Guns, founded in 1983. Fans of that era of guitar-driven, melodic rock will get everything they hope for and more.
With a hefty shot of blistering guitar solos and thundering drums, and a lead singer who’s lost none of his vocal power over the last few years, Medusa is a feel-good ode to the best of 80s rock. Guns lends his sleaze rock vibe and Russell brings on the blues-rock he’s known for–together they create some gems. The lyrics leave something to be desired, but this is a fun blast of rock n’ roll with some serious talent to back it up.
Accompanying Russell and Guns are Johnny Martin (bass), Shane Fitzgibbon (drums) and Alessandro Del Vecchio (keys). The band is tight. The rhythm section is impressive with big drums, big choruses and enough tasty guitar riffs to satisfy most guitar fans.
“Next In Line” jumpstarts Medusa with a cracking rock blaster. These two big talents infuse blues into this catchy album opener, only to give way to a selection of hair band numbers, and power ballads (the gems I mentioned) later on. Medusa is the kind of album that’s meant to be cranked. The main attraction is Russell, Guns and the musicians in the band. It’s 80s rock for the most part, but not in the way that makes you want to turn away ‘cause you just can’t go back there. It’s fresh, and the talent here is significant.
Medusa weaves some interesting surprises into the galloping drums and overdriven guitars. Some of the most compelling tracks to my ears are “Give Me The Night” where Guns finally lets loose on guitar—it’s a good song about pursuing a love interest. Following is a powerful ballad “Living A Lie,” a standout on the album with a strong melody. About love lost, this song has heart and soul and the guitar solo is just as soulful as the vocals. And the effects don’t overpower the song, unlike a couple of young rock bands today who value production over almost anything else.
Title track “Medusa” is one of the more stirring minor key tracks on the album. There’s dissonance in the guitar chords and that actually works. Russell sings “Your eyes are turning me into stone.” Guns turns up a killer guitar solo here that fits right in with the sinister vibe.
Closing out the album is blues based rock and roll. Great groove and tasty guitar hooks abound in “I Want You,” a love song full of promises to lure a romantic partner. The song shifts to a bassy guitar riff—catchy, rhythmic and downright nasty. Ultimately, it’s an earworm of the best kind. Innovative guitar work by Guns weaves in and out of the phrasing, and together with Russell, they have a final track winner. Great way to end an album.
Pre-order ‘Medusa’ Here
“Next In Line”
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