Album Review: Russell &; Guns-Medusa
Record Label: Frontiers Music SRL
Jack Russell, the vocalist of Great White, and Tracii Guns, the founder of LA Guns, are well-known names in the eighties’ glam rock scene. The duo now joins forces for their debut release Medusa via Frontiers Music SRL.
The album marks a comeback for Russell seven years after recording his last record with Great White. The cobwebs don’t show as he teams up with guitar maestro Guns. Medusa includes the typical Frontiers Music SRL ingredients with special guest musicians assisting during recording. LA Guns bassist Johnny Martin, ex-drummer Shane Fitzgibbon, and Revolution Saints Multi-instrumentalist Alessandro Del Vecchio join the duo. Each musician plays a role in complementing the two legends, combining them to produce their best work to date.
I was pleasantly surprised and excited after listening to the opening two tracks. My initial thoughts were a throwback to bands like The Quireboys. The rock ‘n’ roll influences from their earlier work create a rousing release.
“Next in Line” opens the record with a real rocker. Guns brings a fresh side to his guitar play. This helps Russell sound the best since his Great White days. “Tell Me Why” is another rollercoaster of heavy metal with an edge. The thunderous drumming and sizzling guitar solos stir up memories of glam hair metal bands and early Van Halen.
As I previously mentioned, Guns and Russell form a formidable partnership with each one supplementing the other. The momentum continues to build with “Coming Down” showcasing that Russell hasn’t been affected by that hiatus. His rich and powerful vocals are probably better than most singers half his age. The bass, drums and guitar forge a commendable rhythm section on a two-prong assault.
The thing that surprised me the most was how diverse Medusa is. I am more aware of Guns’ back catalogue and have always seen him as an underrated guitarist. With Russell, Guns found his companion and he can express his abilities as a guitarist and delve into various styles. “Where I Belong” is a blues song with captivating keyboard melodies, whilst “For You” is a fun slice of boogie rock.
“Give Me the Night” takes the album into AOR County with stellar guitar solos. It is here Medusa ticks the box of a typical 1980s release with the corny ballad “Living A Lie”. The album finishes on a lighter note with those AOR tunes. “Medusa” “Back into Your Arms” and “I Want You” are curtain raisers with singalong choruses to complete a great start to 2024.
Overall, Russell and Guns combine to show they have enough energy and talent to continue to produce great magic.
Rating: 8.5/10
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