It’s good to have The Tea Party back. After a decade and a half of cranking out some of the most eclectic and surprising progressive rock you will ever hear, this Canadian institution took a break in 2005, which lasted six years, and it has taken them another three to release any brand new music. All up, it is a full decade between studio albums for this classic power trio, but it is most definitely worth the wait.
The Ocean at the End makes it sound like they have never been away, like they have scarcely missed a beat. In fact, it seems the breather has done them good, revived them, as this album sounds fresh, powerful and typically enigmatic.
The album opens in typical style, the first three tracks being very Led Zeppelin and world music inspired powerhouse progressive rock, before the quieter, more ambient ‘The Maker’ kicks in to provide a beautiful wash of dynamics, with main man Jeff Martin’s crooning voice soothing the soul and pleasing the ears no end. ‘Black Roses’ features bluesy and country-tinged moments, and makes it even more apparent that this isn’t just another rock album. In fact, it’s a real journey across extremely varied soundscapes. There’s even a touch of dark electronica, on the excellent ‘Submission’.
My only complaint is that the band fly just a little too close to the bone with their Zeppelin influence on occasion. But this is kinda what they’ve always done, so it comes as no surprise. Overall, this is an excellent return, and should get Tea Party fans worldwide very excited indeed.
Reviewer: Rod Whitfield