Tesla – Into The Now

TESLA
INTO THE NOW
Released in 2004 (Sanctuary)
Billboard Chart Position #31

Track List:
01. Into the Now
02. Look @ Me
03. What A Shame
04. Heaven Nine Eleven
05. Words Can’t Explain
06. Caught In a Dream
07. Miles Away
08. Mighty Mouse
09. Got No Glory
10. Come To Me
11. Recognize
12. Only You

Band Members:
Jeff Keith – vocals
Frank Hannon – guitar, keyboards and background vocals
Tommy Skeoch – guitar
Brian Wheat – bass
Troy Luccketta – drums and percussion

Additional Musicians:
Eric Gorfain – violin and string arrangement (12)
Daphne Chen – violin
Richard Dodd – cello
Michael Rosen – loop (4)

Production:
Produced by Tesla and Michael Rosen.
Track 12 produced by Tesla and Roger Sommers.

Review:
It has been ten long years since Tesla‘s last studio album and a lot has changed in the world of music during that time. The musical climate isn’t the only thing that has changed though, Tesla has as well. Several songs on Into The Now stay true to Tesla‘s roots while others forsake their trademark melodic metal in favor of a more updated aggressive approach – with varying results.

The debut single “Caught In A Dream” ranks up there with Tesla‘s finest material. It is an acoustic ballad with a chorus that burrows itself deep into your head – Jeff Keith hasn’t missed a beat. “What A Shame” takes a similar approach as the single, but is slightly heavier. “Words Can’t Explain” starts off mellow before picking up steam, with guitar dueling reminiscent of southern rock’s finest moments. “Come To Me” is another melodic number that displays the group’s ability to produce catchy and memorable hooks.

With Keith sounding so convincing I can’t understand why the band would want to put annoying effects over his voice on the disappointing “Heaven Nine Eleven”. Songs such as “Look @ Me” and “Got No Glory” have the band displaying their updated influences, but leave me unimpressed. Not surprisingly I enjoy the retro tunes far better than the modern sound, and there is more than enough here to keep me happy. I also find myself enjoying the mellower numbers more, which is unusual. Tesla in the 21st century is a welcome addition to any rock fan’s collection, check the band out at www.teslatheband.com.

Reviewed by Skid for Sleaze Roxx, May 2004.

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