Tensas & The Mourners 

Dark Roots-Rock from the Heart of the Rockies

Hailing from the depths of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Tensas & The Mourners are a genre-defying duo known for their dark, electrifying blend of roots rock. Fusing the raw, stripped-down energy of The White Stripes with the gypsy punk chaos of Gogol Bordello and the gritty storytelling of Tom Waits, they deliver a visceral live experience that is as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.

Fronted by the haunting vocals and guitar work of Tensas, the band is rounded out by Desha, a powerhouse multi-instrumentalist whose dynamic performances on drums, trumpet, piano, and bass bring a thrilling, ever-shifting energy to the stage. Known for frequently swapping instruments mid-show—sometimes playing two at once—the duo turns every performance into a spectacle of musicianship and emotion. They also love featuring other musicians for a few songs on stage, no two shows are ever the same!

Their debut single, “Carnival,” is a brooding tale of love, loss, and inner unrest, while their eerie rendition of the classic “House of the Rising Sun” adds a chilling twist to a timeless ballad. Most recently, their newest single and original track “Little Bird” was featured as one of DJ Bella Donna’s Top 3 Songs of 2024 on 89.3 FM in Cleveland, OH.

Tensas & The Mourners are not just a band—they’re a musical journey through shadow and light, where past and present collide. With each song steeped in folklore, fire, and raw emotion, they’re redefining what roots rock can be.

Currently preparing for a summer tour—opening for Clyde McGee of Bridge City Sinners in Englewood, CO, as they head back to the Pacific Northwest for their third time touring the region. Tensas & The Mourners continue to rise as one of Colorado’s most compelling live acts that are.

Band Members
Tensas – Lead Vocals, Electric Guitar, Harmonica, Mandolin
Desha – Drums, Trumpet, Piano, Bass, Vocals

“Tensas & The Mourners bring a unique mix of old-time stomp rock and lively stage antics. Their dark, rootsy sound is filled with tales of turmoil, loss, and hard-won victories—delivered with a fierce energy that’s impossible to ignore.”
— Mad Indie Media