Single Review: Lay It To Rest

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?