Canadian band TEAZE returned a few years ago, and more recently released a brilliant live album, followed by an excellent studio album. But, the band which had some 46 years between their new Rev Your Engines and 1980’s ill fated Body Shots, is still unknown to many of those outside Canada. During the band’s 5 year run of 4 studio albums (and one live one), Teaze received plenty of press, with opening slots on tours by other Canadian acts like April Wine and Triumph. They had a hit single, but it wasn’t a song that necessarily represented the band’s 2 guitar hard-rock sound. So, in those near 40 years that the band was gone, classic rock radio may have not been as kind as their catalogue deserves. So, consider this list for those who know little to 0 about Teaze; those that I’ve mentioned them to, who aren’t familiar. This is Teaze classics for those who do know the band’s albums, so if you’re new to them (or curious), check it out.
Most recently the band has also launched their brand new website, which is being taken care of by new drummer Jim Bonventre. So, anything you need to know and want to discover about this Canadian band can be found there. Pay the website a visit, check out their history, discography, download a new(er) track, and sign up!
Rockin With The Music
The first track on the band’s debut album from 1976. Written by guitarist Mark Bradac. A fast paced, guitar rocker, an anthem, and an obvious opening cut to set the tone for the album. Also featured as the opener on the band’s Tour Of Japan album.
Boys Night Out
Also from the Teaze album, written by Bradac and drummer Mike Kozak. Another rocker and anthem celebrating the ‘boys night out’. An easily likeable and memorable song, which was released as the single in Canada. This was re-recorded for the band’s Body Shots album a few years later. Pre-dated the Toronto hit “Girls Night Out” by 7 years. Honestly, it was difficult cutting it down to 2 songs from the debut, this album rocks pretty solid right to the end. Classic ’70s guitar rock, and a good place to start if you’re curious about this band. “Boys Night Out” appeared on the 1985 UK release Heavy Metal America (w/ “Back In Action”), as well as 2LP Castle Communications release Metal Killers Kollection, Volume 2, in 1986.
Sweet Misery
From Teaze’s 2nd album, On The Loose, in ear;y ’78. “Sweet Misery” would become the band’s lone charting single, but … The song written by guitarist Chuck Price and Mike Kozak, was a country flavored ballad, which was unlike Anything the band had done. It probably confused fans and record buyers back then, and even the band steered clear of playing it live, as it had nothing to do with their 2 guitar, energetic rock reputation. In retrospect, maybe not a wise decision. Still a great song. The band did eventually play it (when they reunited), and even re-recorded by the band for their new album Rev Your Engines. “Sweet Misery” would be included on K-Tel’s Hot Ones collection from ’77.
On The Loose
The title track to their 1978 album. This one, which opened side 2, written by Mark Bradac and singer/bass player Brian Danter, is another hard edged high energy rocker. These guys wrote plenty of easily likeable and memorable choruses, as is this here. Love the sound on these early albums, not too polished, just cool raw late ’70s guitar rock.
Heartless World
Prior to 1979’s One Night Stands, Teaze had released Tour Of Japan album, their first live album, and more importantly, signed to Capitol Records to finally get their records released in the US. Capitol US had signed April Wine in ’78, breaking them in to the US market with “Roller”. One Night Stands came out in March of ’79, and was produced by Myles Goodwyn (April Wine). And everything about this is a step up – from the songs, performances, and production, even the front cover and packaging. I think by and large this is considered the band’s best work, and it’s tuff to pick a few songs from it, but the most obvious choice is the band’s epic “Heartless World”. This one, written by Bradac and Kozak starts off with acoustic guitar, then vocal, before the band kicks in. There’s a number of changes here, as well as a bit of keyboards, piano, sax, and the band’s heavy gallop, but more so, it has Brian Danter’s vocals, and his finest vocal in the band’s entire catalogue. There is nothing else like it in the band’s 70s catalogue, and how it did not become of a hit (it was a single) or remain an FM radio staple is baffling. “Heartless World” would feature in 2 films, Twists Of Terror (1997 Canadian), and Metalhead (2014, Iceland). The song was also covered by Canuck band Unleash The Archers in 2019.
Young And Reckless
Also from One Night Stands, “Young And Reckless”. A bit of funk-rocker., love the bass, and the shift between chorus and verse. This one’s very easily likeable. Written by Bradac, Danter, & Kozak. Would’ve made a nice single, but was used as the B-side to the 2nd single, and ballad “Loose Change“.
Touch The Wind
The closing track on One Night Stands. Written by Brian Danter. Again, featuring acoustic guitar, and build up. Features a cool instrumental section, with an extended heavy solo, softens up (bass and drums mainly), but speeds up before eventually building up and dropping back into acoustic guitar. This one has such a cool late night ’70 rock feel, with a Blackmore guitar tone in the solo. Oddly, makes me think of the April Wine cut “Silver Dollar”, a similar vibe. Classic track!
Sure Thing
Well, despite One Night Stands sounding so good, it didn’t put Teaze on top, and unfortunately Myles Goodwyn was not recalled to produce the follow up, Body Shots, from 1980. Whether is was the label and/or producer Nick Blagona, Body Shots was a step back, and sideways. There’s some good songs here, the bandmembers will tell you some of their best, but it’s largely marred by the production in some attempt to make the Teaze sound a bit more pop or new wave or something. The standout track here, for me is “Sure Thing”, credited to Danter, Bradac, and Kozak (as are all the song here). It’s another funk rockier tune, much in the style of “Young And Restless”.
Rev Your Engines
So most bands that might make a new album 45 years after their last one (kidding, who does that!?), might make an album that is a shadow of their former self, but nope Teaze comes out with Rev Your Engines, an album that can arguably be called their best album. The band now features guitarist/keyboardist/producer Chuck Lambrick (who’s been playing with Teaze since 2019), and drummer Jim Bonventre. The album kicks off with this rocker, geared for the stage, written by Bradac, Lambrick, and J.J. Garrisi. An excellent song to get things going, cool guitar blends in the solo….
Man Of Vision
The first single from Rev Your Engines, the first brand new Teaze song since 1980, and what could one expect!? Well, “Man Of Vision” is another featuring acoustic guitar, build up, to the chorus, with harmonies…. Just put this one in the same class as “Heartless World”. Musically epic, it says something lyrically, and is a powerful song. Penned by guitarists Mark Bradac and Charles Hambrick, with vocal from Brian Danter, who still sounds as powerful as he did in 1980.
I could’ve picked more from this album, but these 2 tracks are the most obvious, IMO.
