Tesla:- Bust a Nut

Release:- 1994
Band Members:- Jeff Keith, Tommy Skeoch, Frank Hannon, Brian Wheat, Troy Luccketta,
Krillion's Rating:- 87%


The fourth and final studio album in the first chapter of 'Tesla's' history and it's business as usual as they formulate fourteen well crafted tracks, very much in the vein of previous releases. A little of the Alternative scene which was prevalent back in '94, creeps into a couple of tracks and overall probably not as catchy as some of their previous material, but there's still plenty of gems which are superbly executed with 'Tesla's' usual workmanlike technique.

'The Gate / Invited' opens proceedings, the first part 'The Gate' is a crunchy galloping instrumental which flows sweetly into the mid tempo rocker 'Invited', a track which balances a lighter carefree chorus with more distorted instrumental work, it all comes together splendidly for a great opener. Better still is the thumping groover 'Solution', a relentless bass heavy, brisk plodder, which is totally infectious and sports the usual strong lyrics, hearty backing vocals and some deft guitar licks. The pace drops for the classic 'Tesla' sounding 'Shine Away', a magnificent track which builds from a gentle melodious intro, into a lively rocker, graced with quality guitar work from 'Frank Hannon' and 'Tommy Skeoch', while the superb lyrics are done justice by crisp harmonious vocals from 'Jeff Keith'. Not quite so impressive is the slightly repetitive 'Try so Hard', while sections are very well executed, it's a song I feel never quite gets going, it promises a lot but just falls a little short. 'She Want She Want' also fails to make a mark, lyrically a tad trite especially for a group of 'Tesla's' prolific song writing abilities and also a little laboured and awkward in sections, overlooking this there are some strong all round vocals contributions. Next up is 'Need Your Lovin'' an acoustic number with Bluesy undertones, a well executed number, albeit a little tame for my liking. Back to their best is the pulsating 'Action Talks', a rugged rocker with a 'Gun' N' Roses' feel and attitude, the chorus is punchy and strong while the guitaring is inventive and prominent. The tempo falls for 'Mama's Fool', a songs which trades heavier more up tempo sections for Bluesy mid tempo segments, overall a solid affair, but personally I'm not keen on the Country style intro and outro. The pace is resurrected with the rugged 'Cry', a cut which features a slight Grungy / Alternative sound, 'Tesla' put this to good use however to concoct a well penned rocker which highlights a fine mid track lull. Continuing in decent fashion is the pulsating 'Earthmover', a down-tuned pulsating number, that while initially interesting soon becomes a little wearing. 'Alot to Lose' follows in a more melodic manner and is graced with a superb chorus that's passionately executed and braced by the usual splendid penmanship. The more up tempo 'Rubberband' also fails to disappoint with its subtle intro and energetic rhythm, while the brilliantly penned ballad 'Wonderful World' could have been a huge radio hit. The album closes with a fine cover of 'Joe South's' 'Games People Play', a choice rendition of which 'Jeff Keith's' vocals really shine.

Yet another instalment of quality 'Tesla', which would regrettably be their last for the next 10 years.


Track Listing:- The Gate / Invited, Solution, Shine Away, Try so Hard, She Want She Want, Need Your Lovin', Action Talks, Mama's Fool, Cry, Earthmover, Alot to Lose, Rubberband, Wonderful World, Games People Play,