Seriously, any rock band named for one of the most badass inventors who ever lived, Nikolai Tesla, is going to rock. And these guys do. However, they got lost in the shuffle during the 80s and never reached the level they should have. The band's career is loaded with rockin hits but they are most known for two songs: a power ballad (albeit an awesome one), "Love Song", and a cover of Five Man Electrical Jam's "Signs".
Vocalist Jeff Keith brings an attitude to his vocals missing from 80s mega-stars Poison and Bon Jovi. He's a a cross between Tom Keifer (Cinderella) and Vince Neil (motley Crue) and puts high energy into every song he does. Take the track "Edison's Medicine". It's a blistering assault on Thomas Edison who stole pretty much everything he knew from Nikolai Tesla. The same amazing vocals shine on the track "Modern Day Cowboy", the closest thing the band has to a dark song.
One of the band's super hits, the previously mentioned "Love Song" combines great vocals with great instrumentation, although the lyrical content in on par with the other love ballads of the era. I know these types of songs were obligatory during that time period but it doesn't weaken the track in any way. It's a kick ass power ballad and I'm disappointed it doesn't show up on many ballad compilations.
I don't usually give praise to cover songs beings close to or as good as the original. But with Tesla's rendition of "Signs", they achieve the former. It's close to the original. It respects the original. It is also a fun song to play loudly and one with to sing along.
Tesla's "Steppin' Over" and "What You Give" are two tracks which didn't (and still don't) get much radio play but are also worth jamming to whenever and where ever possible.
The band still tours, although in much smaller venues and includes guitarists Frank Hannon and Tommy Skeoch, bassist Brian Wheat and drummer Troy Luccketta. Their most successful album remains The Great Radio Controversy.
