The Helltones - Medusa (2023)

Californian rock ‘n’ soul outfit The Helltones return with full-length Medusa, which sounds more charming, subdued and polished than you would expect based on the band name and cover art. The music may have a warm appearance, but the theme is quite dark: “As with the mythical Medusa, this album is about taking your demons, chopping their heads off, and using their severed heads to turn your other demons into stone.” Primary songwriter Darwin Siegaldoud and his band break through the pain and hard times by making themselves vulnerable without losing sight of the necessary fun. Although the thirteen songs are labeled as garage rock, that rough character is put in the shadows by sunny influences of soulful Americana, cool rhythm and blues, psychedelic surf and vintage doo-wop. The pleasant vocals and perfectly orchestrated instrumentation make this an engaging listen. Standout tracks include opening track Mike and Laura (back from the 2018 Poltergeist LP), epic love ballad Nothing Compares to You (not a cover) and floor filler Don’t Waste My Time (sung by Victoria Sepe).