Tesla are fully charged and have released an electrifying new LP. Clearly influenced by their producer, Phil Collen (DEF LEPPARD) this release is somewhat more polished in its sound than their earlier LP’s, but that’s not to say it’s a bad thing. There are still the trademark vocals from Jeff Keith and of course Frank Hannon’s melodic yet distinctly blues based riffs.
That they are still roaring and soaring should be no surprise. That’s just how they are built. TESLA may have been born in the mid ‘80s eruption of leather, spandex and big hair, but this band has never been about those things. Their bluesy, soulful sound is strongly embedded in the roots of organic, authentic 1970s rock and roll. The same roots that produced bands like the Allman Brothers, Grand Funk Railroad, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Aerosmith.
Opener “You Won’t Take Me Alive” sets the tone perfectly with wah driven introduction, hooky chorus and blistering solo. Other notable tracks are the ballads “Love Is A Fire” and “The Mission” along with the driving rocker “I Want Everything”. “California Summer Song” leans towards the acoustic, whilst “Comfort Zone” has a very erm.. Def Leppard feel.
You have to admire the musicianship that shines through every track and songwriting skills that go to make this such an easy LP listen. It’s never going to challenge the listener .. but does every LP have to?
The latest incarnation of the band have struck out in a new, yet somehow familiar, direction with this, their 8th Studio release and have been touring across America. 2019 see them appear on the hallowed Download stage and we hope, with that, will come a european tour soon. Their 35 year career is not destined to end anytime soon.
True you can clearly hear the influence of Collen, but is that such a bad thing? “Shock” is a quality slab of polished hard rock .. which improves with every listen .. go buy it.
