Altsounds - Tesla - Forever More [Album]

In an age where bands rarely last more than five minutes on the seemingly never-ending conveyor belt of new music, it’s certainly a rarity to find an act which stands the test of time. Tesla manages just that, returning with their sixth studio album in a quite incredible twenty-four year period. Although the line-up differs slightly for the first time, Tesla’s sound and overall delivery remains as impressive as before.

We are welcomed into ‘Forever More’ with an opening track of the same name. The intro alone instantly grabs attention before the song falls nicely into a mix of catchy riffs and solid vocals with a devastating solo also thrown in for good measure. Tesla provide a decent opening to the album which continues in the rock and roll genre they have made their own in years gone by.

Next up is the first single to be released from the album; ‘I Wanna Live’. This particular song is a real head-banging classic rock record. As a first time listener it’s easy enough to pick up the chorus lyrics, so much so, you will soon find yourself aimlessly mumbling along to Jeff Keith’s vocals. (Well, I did anyhow!)

Track number three, ‘One Day at a Time’, is a catchy song with excellently written lyrics. Tesla ensure that the record keeps a steady pace throughout with all instruments and vocals working well with one another. However, this song doesn’t stay in the memory for too long and will be considered as nothing more than average.

We are then treated to another thrilling vocal display by Keith as he provides a fine example of vintage rock singing on Tesla’s forth track ‘So What!’ The bass and guitars are once again faultless with the excellent drumming of Troy Luccketta helping make this a solid enjoyable track.

‘Just in Case’ provides us with an insight into Tesla’s more subdued side as the band produce a slower paced more bluesy influenced record. The track makes for a nice change mid-way through ‘Forever More’, and is followed by another equally soothing song in the shape of ‘Fallin’ Apart’. It’s easy to spot a modern day influence within both records which shows Tesla’s flexibility in moving with the times whilst still being true to their roots of yesteryear.

Tesla return to more upbeat rock in ‘Breakin’ Free’ which once again has an enjoyable intro but unfortunately this record is never going to be regarded as a classic. The sound is nothing to complain about, it just doesn’t exactly fill the listener with joy either. Tesla raise the tempo in the more impressive ‘All of me’, which sees a return of sharper lyrics and more interesting rhythm.

‘The First Time’ is the sort of record which any rock band can identify with. The rhythm begins slowly before exploding into an excellent rock anthem. I feel this is the one song which Tesla have truly embraced on ‘Forever More’ and I can imagine it would be excellent to see preformed live.

‘PVT. Ledbetter’ is clever record which tells the story of a family coping with the consequences of a son at war. It not doubt has political undertones and perhaps sprinkles of sarcasm within its lyrics but it’s a decent topical track all the same.

The penultimate track ‘In a Hole Again’ is another which unfortunately feels slightly like a filler track and doesn’t particularly stand out. The riffs continue to sound good and you can’t question the band’s effort but the song still remains as neither here nor there. ‘Forever More’ is concluded in fantastic style with the heavier 'thrashy' ‘The Game’. The guitars are perfect and the drumming once again shows the obvious talents of Luccketta.

Tesla have produced a good solid rock record which admittedly does need a few listens to be properly appreciated. Any budding rock bands out there need not look any further for inspiration than Tesla who continue to be a true credit to their profession.

Track Listing:

Forever More
I Wanna Live
One Day at a Time
So What!
Just in Case
Fallin’ Apart
Breakin’ Free
All of Me
The First Time
Pvt. Ledbetter
In a Hole Again
The Game