The Teskey Brothers- Complete Artist Review
Complete Artist Review after listening to every record. Here you will find an overview of The Teskey Brothers as well as my personal rankings of their first three records. Also, you will find my Top 10 Songs and link to my Essentials Playlist in this pages 1st photo.
Click on other photos for surprise Easter Egg links!
The Teskey Brothers
Few bands manage to capture the essence of a bygone era and infuse it with a modern twist as effortlessly as The Teskey Brothers have. Hailing from the outskirts of Melbourne, Australia, the Teskeys have built their career on rich, analog warmth, blending blues, soul, and gospel into something utterly timeless. With their heartfelt lyricism, raw musicianship, and Josh Teskey’s powerhouse vocals leading the charge, they’ve become one of the most beloved acts in contemporary blues.
From their scrappy beginnings playing in backyard sheds to earning international acclaim and ARIA awards, The Teskey Brothers’ journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, determination, and pure musical talent.
The Teskey Brothers—Josh and Sam Teskey, Brendon Love, and Liam Gough—formed in 2008. Initially a passion project for playing old-school blues covers, the band honed their craft at local gigs, developing their signature sound. They spent nearly a decade performing around Melbourne and self-releasing music while maintaining their day jobs. These formative years shaped their identity and laid the groundwork for their first singles and debut album.
The Teskey Brothers’ debut album, Half Mile Harvest, felt like stepping into a time machine bound for the 1960s. Recorded on analog tape in their home studio, the album exuded warmth, authenticity, and a love for blues and soul. With tracks like Say You’ll Do and Louisa, the record showcased Josh’s gravelly, Sam Cooke-meets-Otis Redding vocals and the band’s minimalist approach to blues. This grassroots success earned them critical acclaim and an expanding fanbase.
Right after their debut was the single Forever You and Me. It was a very standard and simple continuation of the softer blues style that the Teskey Brothers had begun to specialize in.
Shortly before their sophomore record, the Teskey Brothers released a double sided single. Right For Me grabs you with its organ-forward groove, as that Hammond organ drives a bluesy funk demanding attention. There’s an edge of rock attitude woven in, making it feel punchy and alive. Compared to their first single, Forever You and Me, this one is far more dynamic and musically engaging, showcasing the band’s growing versatility. Baby Blue transports you straight to the heart of New Orleans, where jazz and blues collide in the best possible way. It’s gritty yet playful, creating a vibrant blend of swagger and soul. This track feels like a lively jam session between old friends in a smoky, late-night bar.
Their sophomore record, Run Home Slow, expanded on their debut’s foundation with richer textures, bolder dynamics, and a touch of cinematic flair. The album brought some of their most iconic tracks to date, including the gut-wrenching ballad Rain and the funky, crowd-pleasing So Caught Up. With Run Home Slow, the band achieved mainstream success, winning three ARIA awards, including Best Group.
A testament to their prowess on stage, Live at the Forum captured the Teskeys in their element: performing live for a rapturous crowd. Featuring extended jams, powerhouse vocals, and a tangible energy, the live album cemented their reputation as one of the best live acts in blues today. Their cover of John Lennon’s Jealous Guy on this release became a favorite, further showcasing their ability to reinterpret classics with authenticity and heart.
Around this time RJD2’s remix of So Caught Up was released, taking the original track’s soulful bounce and reimagines it through a kaleidoscope of funk and electronic textures. The remix amps up the groove with layered beats and a touch of futuristic flair, adding a modern twist to the Teskeys’ retro vibe. I love how the remix keeps the heart of the original intact—Josh Teskey’s vocals remain as emotive as ever—but injects it with a fresh, pulsating energy.
Later the Teskey Brothers delivered a dose of holiday magic in 2020 with their Christmas double single, which felt like wrapping up bluesy soul in a festive, jolly bow.
Dreaming of a Christmas with You is a nostalgic ballad that exudes warmth and tenderness. Josh Teskey’s smoky vocals are the perfect match for the song’s sentimental lyrics, creating a track that feels like sipping mulled wine by the fire. On the flip side, Highway Home for Christmas kicks up the energy with a playful, upbeat blues shuffle. It’s got that front-porch jam session feel to it, filled with lively harmonica, swinging rhythms, and a sense of joy that makes it feel like a Christmas party in full swing. Together, these tracks are a perfect balance of heartfelt sentimentality and toe-tapping fun, making them a must-add to any holiday playlist.
In the Spring of 2021 they released a cover of INXS’s Never Tear Us Apart, which was no small feat, but the Teskey Brothers make it their own while honoring the original’s emotion. Josh Teskey’s vocals add a raw, bluesy grit that gives the song a soulful edge. The brass accompaniment elevates the track with a rich, cinematic quality, and the Teskeys’ signature warmth seeps into every note. It’s a beautiful homage to an iconic song, reimagined through their unique lens of blues and soul.
Before the end of 2021, The Teskey brothers released a unique live collaboration with Orchestra Victoria reimagining their songs with sweeping orchestral arrangements. Tracks like Rain and Crying Shame took on an even grander, cinematic feel, showing the band’s versatility and ambition. You got to praise the live record for its emotional depth and its seamless blend of blues and symphonic elements.
Their third studio album, The Winding Way, marked the next chapter in their evolution. Lush orchestration and intricate arrangements added layers of complexity to their soulful sound, creating an album that feels both expansive and deeply personal. By far my favorite out of their first three releases. Songs like Blind Without You and Rich Man highlight the band’s growth as musicians and storytellers, while tracks like What Will Be provide pure, cathartic release. The Winding Way is a triumph, blending everything the Teskeys have learned along their journey.
The Winding Way (2023)
Run Home Slow (2019)
Half Mile Harvest (2017)
Album Rankings
Top 10 Songs
(In No pARTICULAR oRDER)
Right For Me (Single)
Louisa (Half Mile Harvest)
Blind Without You (The Winding Way)
Rich Man (The Winding Way)
San Francisco (Run Home Slow)
Baby Blue (Single)
So Caught Up (RJD2 Remix) (Single)
Say You’ll Do (Half Mile Harvest)
Oceans Of Emotions (The Winding Way)
Remember The Time (The Winding Way)
The Teskey Brothers aren’t just a band—they’re a musical experience. Rooted in blues and soul but unafraid to experiment and evolve, they’ve carved out a unique place in the modern music landscape. Josh Teskey’s voice is a revelation, capable of moving mountains, while the band’s chemistry is palpable in every note they play. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time fan, diving into The Teskey Brothers’ discography is a journey worth taking. Their music feels alive, timeless, and—above all—human. In an era of polished production and fleeting trends, The Teskey Brothers remind us of the beauty in simplicity and the power of genuine connection.