After a five years longing break, Canadian classic rock band THE TEA PARTY is back with a new album titled The Ocean At The End. So what to expect? An album musically rooted in the experimental and oriental sounding phase of early records? Or the more classic rock orientated times of late albums?
The Ocean At The End actually picks up, where late albums (The Interzone Mantras and Seven Circles) were left off, with a touch of The Edges Of Twilight. The band is still able to write thrilling song, with the great and emotional voice of Jeff Martin always in the center. But, sadly, this album does not capture me. Why? Maybe, because THE TEA PARTY does not tell anything new. Definitely, because this album lacks the depth of The Edges Of Twilight and Transmission.
Sure, all the old trademarks are there: lots of Led Zeppelin (like in the Opener The L.O.C.), a touch of The Doors (mainly because of Jeff Martins always great voice), and even a few of already mentioned oriental sounds. Songs like The Black Sea and The 11th Hour THE TEA PARTY nearly reach the level of the classic album The Edges Of Twilight. Other ones such as Black Roses and The Cass Corridor are ok, but the rest of the songs need a few times listening.
All in all that makes The Ocean At The End a good album retro rock hipster should have a listen to. If they believe there are only Black Sabbath copycats out there these days… The die-hard THE TEA PARTY fan can expect an album that is okay, but should not compare this one with the band’s early work. That would be disappointing. 7.5 complaisant points.