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Album Review: The Tea Party - The Ocean At The End

Mac McNaughton
StarStarStarStar

The Ocean At The End is evidence of ten years’ shore leave well used.

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If 2004’s Seven Circles seemed like a band lost at sea, The Ocean At The End is evidence of ten years’ shore leave well used.

Frontman Jeff Martin has never sounded so untroubled or civilised, more inclined to “have another glass of wine” (Black Roses) than to indulge the exotic teas of, say, Shadows On The Mountainside. The title track goes knowingly Dave Gilmour and a new anthem is forged in Water’s On Fire.

Trademark overwrought-ing and mysticism is decidedly downplayed, making a smooth sail into port for The Tea Party’s eighth studio record.