August 2011 Artist of the Month ~ Tesla

If one were to look up the term ‘rock band’ in the dictionary, Tesla might be the band you’d find. The Sacramento, California quintet is arguably the epitome of what a rock band is and should be.

Among hard rock and metal bands and fans of all sub-genres, Tesla is one of the few acts all rockers seem to have a fond appreciation for, if not a love of. Perhaps it is the mass appeal of their blues-based music, or the simple fact that the guys have never been about trends or affectations. Granted like most other 80′s metal bands, their debut video for “Modern Day Cowboy” showcased some of the hair metal trappings of that era, but it was shortlived, and not at the heart of who Tesla is.

Now a quarter century into their career, their sound and style is still resonates with fans. Their newest release Twisted Wires and the Acoustic Sessions, celebrates their sound with a mix of acoustic tracks, including two new songs, “Second Street” and “Better Off Without You”. Six of the songs are newly recorded while the remainder feature the last recordings with former guitarist Tommy Skeoch.

While Twisted Wires is a tasty treat for fans, we’re all still waiting for a new studio album to follow up 2008′s Forever More. With band members involved in other projects like guitarist Frank Hannon’s solo band, new guitarist Dave Rude’s solo band, and bassist Brian Wheat’s Soulmotor, we may be waiting a while longer. Still Tesla never leaves us empty handed for long.

The magic of Tesla‘s music is the simple honesty of its sound. Fronted by vocalist Jeff Keith and his uniquely plaintive rasp, and back stopped by veteran Bay Area skinpounder Troy Lucketta, Tesla has created a niche in hard rock and metal no other band has filled. In a genre of love ‘em or hate ‘em bands and fans, Tesla has found common ground with nearly everyone.

With a dozen studio and live albums to their name, Tesla, have created some of rock’s most time-tested songs, and each new album is another example of their ongoing relevence. While other bands continue to tour and ride their own coattails, Tesla continue to add to their sonic aresenal.

Tesla is one of those bands you’d want on your iPod if you were ever stranded. That impact on rock music is one of many reasons Mojo Radio is honored to call them out Artist of the Month for August 2011.