Teaser You Promised Me Heaven Review
Teaser
You Promised Me Heaven
FNA Records
2026
This week’s FNA feature, “You Promised Me Heaven,” comes to us from the down-and-dirty Sleaze band, Teaser. Word on the street is the band formed in ’84 in Oklahoma, did all they could in that scene, then headed for the bright lights of L.A. in ’87. The band stayed on the scene and played all the famous clubs on the Strip until this brand of music fell out of favor. Eventually, they folded, headed back home, and picked up day jobs.
While still in California, the fellas managed to get some tracks recorded on two separate occasions, once in ’90 and again in ’92. There are even two tracks recorded at the world-famous Gazzari’s in ’89. Those jams, along with the later recordings, make up “You Promised Me Heaven.”
Those of you who dig Julliet, Wildside, and Cinderella will find an awful lot here to love and appreciate. There are some seriously underrated gems here just waiting to be cranked up. True to the era, there are a couple of great ballads that’ll hit you right in the mushy parts, particularly “Home Is Where The Heart Is.” That one hit me like a sack of bricks. The melody is ridiculously catchy, and it’s got that big power-ballad radio hit plastered all over it, although the acoustic approach works to its advantage. “Lovin On Borrowed Time” is another one that tugs at the heartstrings. It’s well written and arranged perfectly for the era. There’s also a bit of a Southern flair to it, which suits me fine.
Then there are the up-tempo tunes, which kick at every turn and keep that gravel-throated Sleaze moving along at a ferocious pace. Teaser clearly knew how to write a song, and there’s enough grit and attitude here to remind you why this particular corner of Rock was so damn much fun. The 2 live tracks were a great touch too – you know exactly what these guy were able to do in a live setting!
There’s not a weak moment on this release; every tune lands. My only real issue is the sound quality. I’m not sure if the tapes weren’t baked properly or what, but there’s quite a bit of slapback and some overly “wet” moments throughout. It’s not a total turn-off, but it does leave something to be desired, especially considering I’d never heard of the band before stumbling across this release.
If the sound was a bit stronger, “You Promised Me Heaven” would be a much more impressive release. As it stands, though, it’s still damn good. Teaser weren’t slouches. These guys had the chops, the songs, and the attitude to match. I guess the right exec just never walked into the right club on the right night.
Check it out, FNA is offering autographed CDs while they’re still available!
Standouts – “Home Is Where The Heart Is”, “Loving On Borrowed Time”, “Hollywood Heartbreak Live”, “Sweet Revenge” and “Go For Your Guns”.