Once again we have mixed feelings about a Frontiers release. The reasons are well known and we have expressed them many times over the years. On the one hand, we are happy to see two legends of the Sunset Strip of the 80’s working together and on the other hand, it’s so embarrassing to see Del Vecchio’s name in every Frontiers project. Enough is enough! So, in a (desperate) attempt to skip over Del Vecchio’s presence, we listen carefully to “Medusa” to draw our conclusions…
The first thing you notice is that Jack Russell’s voice remains at a high level while Tracii’s guitar “blends” perfectly with the blues-based hard rock while the compositions are clearly based on the late 80s/early 90s Great White aesthetics. Purely compositionally things are not that encouraging as I would say that we are talking about a rather mediocre process-oriented affair with the two musicians doing the absolute necessary and just submitting OK songs that I regret to say will be forgotten very quickly even by those who will give the album a fighting chance. The bright exceptions are the tracks “Living A Lie” and “I Want You”, two love songs that really remind us of the glory days of the genre.
“Medusa” will be forgotten very quickly. Sad but true. I really wonder why two artists of Russell & Guns’ stature would associate their name with such releases. I understand the financial factor comes into play but at what cost?
Highlight: Imagine that you’re Tracii and Jack and Frontiers comes along and presents you with this cover artwork. Really, now…?
