When you’re a member of a famous band like TESLA it’s not an easy thing to do-- going outside of the realm of the genre that you are known for and make an impact, but Dave Rude guitarist of TESLA is doing just that. Check out his self-titled debut release and the cover photo of meditation then turn to the back cover of the screaming wonder boy. It’s like a flash back in time and so is the music.

The opening track “Heavy as a Raindrop (C'mon, C'mon)” starts off slow with sounds of past British rockers from back in the day, but when Rude and the boys hit the chorus the reverb is adjusted to high levels reminding me of the YARDBIRDS.

Track-two “Burnin' Bright” brings a slight edge, first starting off like vintage BLACK SABBATH, and then switching to a more traditional classic rock fusion. Now when you hit track three “Eighteen Eyes” it shows that Rude is no joke and looking to the future. I am sure many of you never heard of a band back in the day called SPLIT ENZ with Neil Finn but Rude has that kinda of style and his vocals are highly enticing.

Mr. Rude must have been influenced by John Lennon because “Circle the Sun” has the spirit of Lennon vocally. The song has catchy riffs and a good chorus and sounds of the British Wave.

Mr. Rude! The beginning riffs of “Crooked Bullseye” remind me of THE BEATLES “Revolution” but then turns direction with some good background vocals and more accentuated guitar. This was a pleasant surprise listening to the DAVE RUDE BAND, I was expecting a heavily guitar orientated CD and got the magical mystery tour! Good stuff here. Check it out!