Medusa's Disco

I’m driving in my car one night to pick up a friend of mine, and I put on Ripe to give it a few more listens. I finally arrive to my destination, my friend enters my car and immediately asks, “Is this Medusa’s Disco?” Much to my surprise she instantly knew who the artist was, even a relatively unknown local band such as this, based only on a few seconds of the music. This spoke volumes to me and got me thinking about just how truly unique Medusa’s Disco actually is.

Being able to cultivate and own such an instantly recognizable and signature sound, especially one that is good, is such an incredibly hard thing to accomplish, but Medusa’s Disco has done just that. Ripe is only the latest example of the band further delving into exactly what it is that makes them so special and original. They hold nothing back in terms of songwriting, performance, or production value, allowing you to lose yourself in the music, making Ripe an absolute pleasure to listen to time and time again.
For those of you who don’t know, Medusa’s Disco is a 4-piece high energy rock outfit based out of Lancaster, PA. Hunter Root and Wynton Huddle are the 2 main guitarists and vocalists for the band and are backed by drummer Alex Aument and bassist Ty Smith who is soon leaving the band. The band has a wide array of different influences that come together in helping make Medusa’s Disco own sound without ever really sounding too much like anything else. Huddle’s exotic and unique guitar playing coupled with his powerful roars and subtle-y intricate vocal melodies drive the sound of the band and have always been the biggest draw for me. Ripe features Huddle at his best, but much to my surprise, the real standout star for me on the record is Hunter Root. Root has a completely separate tonal quality to his voice than Huddle and it brings a layer of attractive uneasiness to the whole record. On top of that Root really shines through on his growls and screams on the album giving that extra layer of depth and interest when combined with Huddle’s signature vocals.
I’m not going into detail about each of the 9 tracks on the album but rather comment on a few of my favorites. “Twisted Dentist (Novocaine)” is my favorite track off the album and the second single the band released. It starts off the simple yet precise and effective syncopation that grows more complex to swell into some of the nastiest la’s and da’s I have ever heard. From here we enter a soundscape that takes us to the verse drenched in cools beats and thick harmonies that is quickly offset by the powerful chorus which exhibits exactly what makes this band special.

The chorus in “Twisted Dentist” showcases Huddle and Root playing off of one another’s vocals and balancing each other out to perfection. It is ripe with (pun fully intended) soaring melodies and harmonies both with clean and screaming vocals that feel incredibly visceral. After a couple of more verses and choruses the song transforms into a fun jam and then finds its way back to the familiar verse and chorus to bring it out.
The other standout song for me is “Otherwise” which I can only describe as a psychedelic rock western. It is the shortest song on the record, but it’s incredibly catchy without ever feeling like the band is sacrificing any of their rock credibility. It has arguably my favorite bridge on the whole record as well showing just how cool and fierce Root’s vocals can be. It’s succinct, catchy, and rocks, and could easily be the most radio-friendly song on the record.
Ripe is an awesome album.

It features Medusa’s Disco at their best and not a single thing on the record feels forced or contrived in the slightest. Its authenticity mixed with its interesting songwriting and heavy-rocking performances make it sound unlike anything else out there right now. Although sometimes the jams seem to get away from themselves and drag on a tad too long, it’s never really an issue since they are entertaining and always end up back to a familiar place. 3 singles can already be streamed right now, but the whole album will drop officially tomorrow, on April 2nd. - Larry Laccio

~“Let me save you with this record.
Let me put the headphones on for you, and smile while you listen.
Cut to your point of view, watch me smile while you listen.
Hear that?
That’s the sound of you becoming a better person.”
[-quote from Olivia Gatwood’s viral spoken word ‘Manic Pixi Dream Girl’]~
In their April 2nd 2017 full-length release ‘Ripe’ Medusa’s Disco doesn’t waste more than 4 seconds on subjective neutrality before smoldering off in a shameless –yet accessible- counterculture direction, with the nearly eight minutes of unconventional intrigue that is opening track ‘State of Mind’. Making sure their stage is firmly set on a platform political in its levels unapologetic self-respect, kindled time, and inferno of applause-worthy experimentation and attention to detail, that holds focus and relevancy throughout. Logical but undictated progression takes ‘State of Mind’ into ‘Twisted Dentist’ [#2], in which long-term fans of the band will immediately recognize the quirk of Alex Aument’s beats and as the band’s cult class “Novocaine” –Now matured, and brought to a higher resolution under the masterful production combination of David Patterson II and MD frontman Wynton Huddle, along with Patterson’s positively genius mix work. ‘Otherwise’ [#3] will also strike a familiar chord –no pun intended- with Medusa’s’ followers or enthusiasts of Prava Studios -who MD had released with back in 2015; Flourishing in contradiction between a particularly head-bobbing bassline from Tyler Smith, overall deceptive buoyancy, and a suicidal holocaust of human emotion.
‘Divine’ [#4] abruptly dials back the tempo, dignity in spaciousness, taking time in a hearth fire of harmony, and exhaustedly spiteful peace. ‘Give Up’ [#5], brings a moment steady in identity, yet with a delightful low-key nod to the structural brilliance of old-school experimental heavy weights, such as the various parts of ‘Shine on You Crazy Diamond’ off Pink Floyd’s 1975 release ‘Wish You Were Here’; Making it an album standout as a calming spin on the question of human resilience –as guarded as it is intimate. Interest isn’t lost on the chatoyant shift into ‘Atomic 7’ [#6] -another standout- and excellent capture of the bands vibe and writing, in the form of a passionate range of cosmic commentary.
‘Ode to SEEDS’ [#7] gets served a surprising almost 90s era Savatage riff, that you have to love Hunter Root and Wynton Huddle a little bit more for, and self-highlighting lyric in the form of a beautifully articulated “Death. By. One. Kiss”. ‘Whatshisface from Whatevertown’ [#8] -the only known MD song to be well described and as dismissive as the title implies- holds as a lighter “idgaf” implication, and debatably the most casual, bonfire feeling of the entire album. A fresh-intro’d take on ‘Beautiful Creature’ [#9] closes, pulling at heart strings, screaming out to the skylines of your perception, yet as vibrant and warm as a late summer sunset.
Ripe stands as a powerful statement of artistic passion, and legitimate ability; heavy, raw, unconventional, dark, incredibly human; a fierce alternative + psych rock testimony to personal life experience, and the potential of millennial underground scenes. Music that was meant to be written, from men who play as though their lives depend on it.
Utterly devoid of bullsh*t, fanfaronade, filler, and predictability.
This is not a 2.5 minute per song, whiny hipster rock record; Nor for the faint of heart.
[10/10.] Take note. - Si Marks

Far-out Freshness

Would it be tautologous to say Medusa’s Disco is like Kula Shaker on speed and acid? I suspect not as there is much more than the manic energy in this band’s psychedelic revisitings, and it is probably in the partial echo of Crispian Mills on the fine opening track State of Mind that KS is invoked.

By second Twisted Dentist (Novocaine) that whimsy of a comparing surmise is blown away by the wild wah-wah and other vitalities in this noisy song, the vocals here much more aggressive in tone and actual screaming. And wow, what wildness, as the band themselves put it in their description playgound of sound.

Divine slows it down somewhat and reflects a little bit of Muse, but still in the right rock ballpark, not operatic but fine vocal harmonising, sitar competing in the increasing sound as it closes. Give Up is the fifth track and this is as clever as it is adventurous, playing again with some sweet and tight vocal harmonising counterpointed by dissonant guitar and some fine grunge other, before moving into a Sabbath-esque riff: I do like this eclecticism and honouring minor-plagiarism from its birthsounds. Cream too? I think so. This is a great track.

Well, it continues. Atomic 7 has wonderful instrumental playing, tight and heavy and psychedelic, and the vocal harmonies just get better and better, here the drums rolling off these with gusto. I’m not sure they can be better, being perfect before, but I am enthusing. Ode to Seeds straps on its garage and rides without a saddle. Whatshisface from Whatevertown is Wouldyouwantsomethingdifferentbecauseyouarenotgoingtogetit. Damn right.

Beautiful Creatures closes the album out at ten minutes of incendiary Sabbath-esque Worship of Wah Wah wonderment. And other clever instrumental tweaks, a song sung too within this framing Heavy rock. There are increasing nuances of psychedelia, and I think these guys are clearly having so much fun within their considerable expertise. Perhaps the freshest retrorock I have heard for a very long time. Not tautology then, but paradox. - Mike Ferguson

The latest release from Medusa’s Disco carries a world-weary tone, yet sparking bright optimism highlighted by the exotic voice of Wynton Huddle’s sitar, fills the horizon of perception with a sweeping palette of sound, holds steady in burning drive, and expansive harmony, while staying gently grounded via sedate bassline(s) from Tyler Smith.
The first seconds of the opening track ‘Ask The Bird’ immediately tugs at ones senses, chill inducing, and bringing a feeling akin to that of having mistakenly walked in on an abstract head space of intense intimacy. Pulling at focus, and holding attention. Cut Off Communication (#2) offers a few bars of risky acapella, then proceeds to raw, heavens rupturing harmony, balanced by clean well rooted contrast, and the inflections of Robin Chambers’ violin. Divine and My Dear (#3 and #6 respectively) offer undertones of rather dastardly, and sweet voiced spite, that is utterly impossible not to love. Not A Care In The World (#4) a vibe of deceptive heaviness, breaking mold of both conventional acoustic restraint, and it’s own title -the dynamic partnership between guitarist/vocalist Hunter Root and singer/sitarist Wynton Huddle standing particularly noticeable. Undoubtedly the most intriguing track however, ‘Unintended Consequences’ (#5) -a slow, choked, modern psych-alt rock, yet with an ancient genreless taste of near-forgotten melody.
The six tracks flow along one to the next with no apparent effort, flawless production and a palpable attention to detail lending current and eddy as appropriate -never rushed, never stagnate.
Pure, all encompassing, enigmatic, music; Equally suited for listening alone on a rainy day, or singing along with at the top of ones lungs in a pub with band and friends. A peerless, beautiful experience regardless, and a shining recommendation.
Medusa’s Disco ‘Fruit From A Timeless Planet’ is currently available in hard copy directly from the band, or where music is digitally sold. - Si Marks

New bands seldom make a name for themselves almost as quickly as they arrive on the scene but the Lancaster, PA based alternative/experimental band is one such exception. Even though they are the new kids on the block their popularity has been escalating out of their city and even made its way overseas. No sooner did their debut album come out than it caught the attention of music lovers in France. It is clear Seeds’ diverse musical styles are able to offer something for everyone which gives them a strong mass appeal that is normally hard to attain. The record, Questioned by a Ghost, produced by Frankie Davis at Atmospheric Audio, was released on January 4, 2014. With just three months in, it has already carved out a place for itself in the indie music scene.

Questioned by a Ghost is a mash up of different musical styles ranging from gypsy-rock to jazz, not only existing in the same song, but are coupled with one another in a sort of harmonious cluster that, however unlikely, compliment each other quite well. Genre mixing is always a slippery slope, being scary territory for most bands. If not skillfully executed it can easily be a miserable failure, yet Seeds is a band capable of pulling it off with style and grace. Though Seeds’ song structures are unique in this way, it makes perfect sense within its context, proving that genre mixing is an art form that, when done right, can beget ear-pleasing results.

Their definitive approach is evident as soon as the record begins. The opening track, Dead in the Morning, is a marriage of the dark and the light with two emotional extremes existing at the same time. The song consists of simple rock chords, reminiscent of early punk bands, but they are covered with joyful, more complex guitar solos, bringing depth and the constant back and forth of tempo gives it a keen sense of nuance that sets up the over-arching theme of the record.

It continues with the song, Radiation, which introduces catchy, jazzy hooks and songs like, Not a care in the World, solidify their skill working with styles like 60s proto-punk and 90s grunge with cool jazz hooks that round it out well. The jazz influence is saturated with distortion while coexisting with straight up rock percussion and well-crafted harmonies. There is a lot going on in this song but it is easily one of the most memorable tracks on the record. Songs like, Fly Strip, Endless Questions, and Eyes are Oceans experiment with a more atmospheric sound, but the rock n’ roll guitar solos keep it interesting and focused. Open My Mind takes the listener back to the gypsy-rock theme and harmonies established earlier in the album. The record ends with a bonus track that adds one more surprise—the presence of an Indian sitar, the likes of which are unique to Seeds’ own style without being a carbon copy of George Harrison. It is an appropriate ending to a truly unique record that promises to garner more attention from the public eye.

As I sat down with the members of Seeds, the line up including Wynton Huddle, Hunter Root, Alex Aument, and Tyler Smith, we talked about their debut record, their songwriting, and the challenges they face as young people making it in the music industry. (Interview Section)

(Seeds changed their name to Medusa's Disco in 2015) - Amanda Shaedler

If you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing a Medusa’s Disco live performance, their latest acoustic album, Fruit From a Timeless Planet, may very well be the next best experience. Medusa’s Disco is a psychedelic rock group by the most basic terms, but the deeper you delve, the quicker you discover that they are also so much more. They are a band that delivers some of the most captivating and engaging performances through their sheer emotion and incredibly refined pop-rock-esque music, and all of this is on full display on their latest EP. Beautiful harmonies, soaring roars, precise syncopation, and even a little bit of dark humor can all be found floating around the 6 tracks that inhabit Fruit From a Timeless Planet. Contrary to what you may think, despite this being an acoustic album, it rocks harder than some of the heavier rock acts I’ve heard in recent memory.

When listening to Fruit From a Timeless Planet it can hard to think of Medusa’s Disco sounding like anything else than this awesome acoustic act, but what you are hearing is in fact only one side of the band. In the ether of time and space exists another totally separate but equally impressive incarnation of Medusa’s Disco that is plugged in and heavy in all the right ways. While the core members of Hunter Root, Wynton Huddle, Alex Aument, and Tyler Smith remain the same, something is inherently different between these 2 distinct sides of the band. Huddle trades in his electric guitar for a sitar, and the incredibly talented Robin Chambers joins in on violin and background vocals to create an entity all their own. This acoustic side of the band produces something that feels incredibly organic and real without feeling forced in any way.
The beauty of Medusa’s Disco, and especially Fruit From a Timeless Planet, is that they both do not try to be anything other than what they want to be. The listener can feel this authenticity almost instantaneously as it is conveyed perfectly through the band’s artistry.
The EP opens up with the track “Ask the Bird” which sets the tone immediately with sweeping violin, guitar and sitar sounds intertwined with the lyrics, “So I turned and asked the bird on my shoulder if I was going to die today. He winked his eye and flew away.” This subtle, enticing eeriness is quickly offset by the band’s more upbeat, rock sounds, and within the very first minute of the album, you, as a listener, already have an idea of the diversity and complexity this band is capable of achieving extremely well. This in all honesty kept me hooked as I couldn’t wait to listen to what was going to happen next.

Each song is crafted and played to perfection and offers up unique sounds and ideas presented in ways that are familiar yet new and exciting to me at the same time. The more I listened to Fruit from a Timeless Planet the more I found myself thinking about the lyrics, and just like the music and melodies, how eclectic they truly are. These clashing musical influences from Root’s haunting vocals to Huddle’s powerful roars, and everything in-between offer an experience that you’ll be hard pressed to find another band offering as awesomely as Medusa’s Disco does. - Larry Lacio

(Medusa's Disco changed their name in 2014, and was originally called 'SEEDS' when this article was posted, pressing our new album at the time, 'Questioned By A Ghost')
Central PA band SEEDS has been threatening to release a full-length album for almost a year. On Saturday December 21, 2013 they will deliver it to a raucous capacity crowd at Chameleon Club in Lancaster, PA on a bill that includes The Districts, Pine Barons and Coronado. That’s a lot of rock but SEEDS fans can roll with it. They are devoted and obviously patient. The band better bring a pile of copies to the show! Questioned By A Ghost is worth the wait.

SEEDS fans expect a loud, rowdy show but what can they expect from this first studio album? Two things still abound: unusual chords and whimsy. The members of SEEDS love a good laugh. Their humor is more wry than mocking and the twisty melodies and guitar lines match that tone well. Songs like “Radiation” and “Not a Care in the World” don’t say people are fucked up. They say humans are goofy as shit. When they’re angry, they don’t look to lay blame. They say, “C’mon, man! We can do better than this!” Songs like “Flystrip” and “Box of Animals” show the fallacies of image-consciousness and materialism. Social networking is not socializing, people! Go live life.

SEEDS sprout plenty of sex, drugs and rock & roll on this album too. “Strange Chemistry” is an instrumental but it has plenty to say. “Open My Mind,” “Eyes Are Oceans” and “Medicine” are pretty trippy, especially when the sitar kicks in. These are also the songs where you can hear how vast the library of musical influences on this band must be. Peter Gabriel and The Byrds meet Frank Zappa and Aerosmith? Ravi Shankar and Carlos Santana sit in? How does that happen?

Then there are the songs “Park Bench Pigeons” and “Endless Questions.” These landscapes kind of epitomize everything the rest of the album sketches. They’re weird, funny, ironic tales with jangly melodies. They are rides through a not-quite-right fun house: twisted and twisty.

So does it rock? Yes. Will Questioned By A Ghost satisfy SEEDS fans? It should. It’s a youthful, rowdy exclamation and definitely delivers on the production values. In fact, it might push fans to demand a better mix at live shows. There’s a depth of layering on this album that rarely gets the attention it deserves on stage. Now that fans can finally carry SEEDS of their own, maybe they’ll demand a show that’s more layers than lava. For the lava lovers (and lava light lovers), just turn it up! - Sam Campbell (Gigspots)

(Based of our most recent full length album, Forked Tongue Fables)
“Hunter’s vocals channel a pre-needle Cobain with Morrison appreciation. And that’s a good way to look at them. A group formed from the ashes of the biggest bands of the past. - Harrison Giza

"Wake up after a good sleep, hop in a cold shower then do 20 really fast jumping jacks, drink 3 espressos and smoke 4 cigarettes. After doing all of this if you don't have a heart attack you will understand the energy of a Medusa's Disco performance." - Rob Simon (105.7 the X)