Catherine Elms, the Welsh dark alternative singer-songwriter, has always had a way of taking listeners to the edges of their emotions, drawing them into a world where light and shadow exist in perfect balance. With her latest single, “Medusa,” released on April 4, 2025, Elms continues to build her distinct legacy, offering a dark and beguiling glimpse into her highly anticipated second album. This track marks an evolution in her musical journey, blending myth, raw emotion, and empowerment in a hypnotic blend that captures the heart and soul of her artistic vision.
“Medusa” is not just another song; it’s an emotional revelation, one that delves into the ancient Greek myth and reinterprets it as a contemporary allegory. At its core, the song is about finding strength in vulnerability—embracing those dark and often hidden parts of ourselves that we are taught to suppress. Elms herself describes the track as a call to “embrace your flaws and learn to love the monster within.” It’s a stark reminder that the parts of us we often reject can be sources of power, and that transformation—much like Medusa‘s—can be a process that unleashes something both beautiful and terrifying.
The track’s foundation lies in a mesmerizing piano bassline, which pulses steadily beneath Elms‘s scintillating and powerful vocals. The hypnotic rhythm lures listeners into a trance, while her voice weaves through the music like a siren’s call. Her delivery is nothing short of enchanting, with each word seeming to emerge from the depths of the song’s emotional complexity. This isn’t a simple love song; it’s a reflection of the messy, dark emotions that make us human—jealousy, rage, and fear—woven into a narrative that refuses to shy away from those feelings.
As much as “Medusa” draws on its mythological roots, it’s also firmly grounded in the contemporary human experience. The song’s message speaks to anyone who has been told to hide their darker emotions or experiences. Elms encourages listeners to confront those parts of themselves, to embrace their flaws, and ultimately, to find strength in vulnerability. It’s a raw invitation to reclaim power through acceptance and transformation.
Elms’ musical style, shaped by her self-taught background and rock sensibilities, shines through in the song’s blend of alternative, gothic, and piano-driven arrangements. Fans of her debut album will find that “Medusa” feels like a natural progression—more nuanced, yet as emotionally charged as ever. Critics have long praised her for her dramatic and fearless approach to music, and “Medusa” is no exception. Her sound echoes influences like Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Nick Cave, and Fiona Apple, but remains uniquely Elms. There’s a daring quality to her compositions, a sense of going into the unknown, that has always set her apart in the dark alternative scene.
Elms‘ debut album made waves in the alternative music world, earning acclaim from BBC Radio Wales and Sinusoidal, who called her music “not for the faint of heart.” With “Medusa,” Elms invites her audience even deeper into her sonic universe. Her voice guides us through a world where darkness isn’t feared but embraced, where transformation isn’t a threat but a promise of something more profound.
The accompanying imagery in “Medusa” also reflects the thematic richness of the song. Elms’ work has always been visually striking, and with this release, she continues to weave visual and auditory elements into a cohesive narrative. The mythical Medusa, often seen as a symbol of both fear and fascination, becomes a vehicle for personal liberation. In embracing her inner monster, Elms offers a new definition of power—one that comes from understanding and owning every part of oneself, no matter how frightening it may seem.
As “Medusa” becomes available on all streaming platforms worldwide, it’s clear that Catherine Elms is poised to further solidify her place as a commanding force in dark alternative music. This song is more than just a musical track; it’s a declaration. It’s about accepting the parts of us that make us feel othered, celebrating those raw, unpolished emotions, and transforming them into something powerful.
“Medusa” is an invitation to confront your own darkness, to find beauty in the broken parts, and to embrace the strength that comes from self-acceptance. Catherine Elms has once again proven that she’s an artist who isn’t afraid to confront the shadows—both in her music and in her audience—creating a space where vulnerability and power coexist in a way that is truly captivating.
