Trapeze
Medusa

THE REVIEW

The album I will talk to you about, ladies and gentlemen, is Medusa by Trapeze, a group formed in the early 70s that included names like Glenn Hughes (The Voice of Rock and bassist), Dave Holland (former drummer of Judas Priest), and Mel Galley (Whitesnake).
The music proposed by the group is a mix of hard-rock, funky in some moments, and blues (especially Glenn's voice, very raw in the singing but very expressive) which, however, often reminds of the early Judas Priest songs, in short, the more rocking ones (those of Sad Wings Of Destiny or Sin After Sin, for example - both published after this album).
The explosive energy of this trio lies in the relative simplicity of the songs, yet played with incredible taste.

Mel Galley's guitar is so 70s (often a tribute to Led Zeppelin) and does an excellent job both on the electric and acoustic level, Glenn's bass work is remarkable, often tending to funky (a genre that, as is known, he appreciates a lot), but perfectly in tune with the group's music and Dave Holland's simple but effective beats.
Mr. Glenn's vocal work, a young man at that time, is fluctuating. In this record, you can notice the singer's inexperience, today a great, and influences of past black music singers (Otis Redding, Al Green, etc.) are evident; moreover, I've often noticed an incredible similarity sometimes with Mr. Halford.

The group's best achievements are certainly songs like Black Cloud, the funky Your Love Is All Right (still often proposed live by Glenn Hughes: it can also be found in Live in South America, present in the special edition of his solo album R.O.C.K.), in which the group creates a wonderful amalgam, so full of energy that you won't be able to resist the driving rhythm and the cheerful spirit of the track, very, very 70s (perhaps you might even want - what do I know - to watch an episode of the legendary Starsky and Hutch and dress in flared pants and low-rise waist and a Hawaiian shirt... I understand you but try to keep it together, we are in the 21st century unfortunately... or fortunately...); Seafull a song that with its atmosphere seems to drag us, lull us, and let us abandon ourselves in a comforting sea (Mel's work on the guitar is wonderful and Glenn's dreamy and desperate interpretation is excellent); and Medusa, the killer track of the album.

Finally, the very innovative artwork (cubist-style paintings) by Phil Travers is remarkable.