It is not unusual for
me to have conversations with music lovers which revolve around me attempting
to convince them there is a vibrant and exciting music scene in Aotearoa as
sometimes it feels like I am coming across a wonderful new band on a daily
basis, and here is another. I am sure if Medusa Glare were an Auckland act as
opposed to being from the ‘Tron I would have come across them long before now,
but given they were formed back in 2014 there really is no excuse on missing
out on this classic hard rock band until now. This reminds me a lot of the
arrangements of the late Sixties/early Seventies in that there is no fear of
overlaying acoustic guitar with the electrics, has a killer riff, loads of
space, clear drums (great use of cymbals as a cut through), a bass which is
either linked in on the melody or providing a counter, wonderful hooks, and
solid vocals.
It builds into the main event and also pulls away, using harmony vocals when the time is right to provide additional effect, and there is a moment at the end of the first verse (about 45 seconds in) which reminds me of The Beatles every time I listen to this. There is that pop rock psychedelic link into music which can also be incredibly heavy yet always staying on the side of rock as opposed to metal, commercial yet with balls, and always incredibly honest and real. The guitar solo is sweet and never outstays its welcome, as this is all about the three of them combining to deliver something is plush, refined, polished and so incredibly enjoyable. Now, when is the album out?
Medusa Glare are an exciting and powerful new rock outfit.
This ambitious group was formed in Hamilton, New Zealand in 2014 by Simon Koretz-guitar/vocals, and Rick Walker-drums. They released their debut single and video No Tomorrow in April 2014.
The intention was always to source a fitting frontman and bassist, and within months the line -up was complete with the addition of the incredible Jason Galu on lead vocals and Nathan Waters on bass and back-up vocals.