When Glassnote Records re-released The Teskey Brothers’ first, independently released album, Half Mile Harvest, the first thing that stood out was singer Josh Teskey’s soulful, crooning vocals, along with the clear influence of ’60s-era Blues and Rock artists. But it couldn’t have prepared one for the growth that two-years on the road would bring, expanding The Teskeys’ sound and songwriting to create an identity all its own, which you’ll find on vivid display on the current release, Run Home Slow.
From the outset of Run Home Slow, produced by Paul Butler (Michael Kiwanuka, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Andrew Bird), The Teskey Brothers’ growth is evident simply through the expanded texture of the arrangements. Starting out with straight R&B “Let Me Let You Down,” the album then launches into a cornucopia of genres, adding strings, saxophone, banjo and lap steel to craft an aural identity that is clearly labeled, “Teskey.”
“We were really aware that we didn’t want to alienate fans,” says drummer Liam Gough. “We love our fans and feel really proud of the first album, but the second album needed to be a step up.” That step was climbed by making the album a true collaboration amongst all band members, with each musician contributing to the songwriting, with each bringing their own musical ideas into the studio.
“It’s definitely representative of the band as a whole,” reflects bassist Brendon Love, something he attributes at least in part to producer Butler. “There was a trust from the very first phone call. He really tapped into who we are but also found a way to push us out of our comfort zone.”
While the lead single, “Hold Me,” garnered significant airplay from stations like WXRV, KXT, WRLT, WXPK and more, other tracks that have found the airwaves include the most Pop-leaning song the band has done, “So Caught Up,” plus the aforementioned “Let Me Let You Down.” All this has led to a JBE Triple A Awards nomination for Best New Artist, as well as an appearance on JBE’s Virtual SummitFest on August 6. And it’s just the beginning for The Teskey Brothers.
