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’s been a full decade between studio albums for this classic power trio, but it was most definitely worth the wait. The Ocean At The End makes it sound like they have never been away nor missed a beat. The album opens in typical style, with three tracks of very Led Zeppelin and world music-inspired progressive power rock, before the quieter, more ambient ‘The Maker’ kicks in to provide a beautiful wash of dynamics.
‘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. My only complaint is that the band cuts just a little too close to the bone with its Zeppelin influence on occasion. But that’s kind of what The Tea Party have always done, so it comes as no surprise.
Overall, this is an excellent return, and should get Tea Party fans worldwide very excited indeed.
4/5.
