SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE TEA PARTY – SUNSHOWER

THE TEA PARTY
SUNSHOWER
COALITION MUSIC/WARNER MUSIC CANADA

Canadian rock trio The Tea Party offer something different with their new EP Sunshower. Well-known for their dark and moody offerings in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, the band’s sound has evolved. Moving from their prog rock, industrial, and at times Middle Eastern background, Sunshower has a more rock’n’roll feel.

Sunshower shines through their 30-year repertoire with brighter riffs and more light-hearted subject matter. On the opening track, “Summertime,” Jeff Martin sings of a cabin by the lake “where we all get together with some friends, and we celebrate.” He also gives shoutouts to Led Zeppelin, T-Rex, and Neil Young, which likely explains the track’s classic rock vibe.

The five tracks are easy to listen to, and for a wide-ranging audience. Most notably melodic are “Our Love,” a hopeful ballad, and “The Beautiful,” a tale of love and longing.

Twenty years ago, Martin was seen as Canadian rock’s troubled soul toying with darkness in his lyrics. Not only has the band evolved musically, but Martin offers optimism on the title track: “The rain might follow you, the sun will shine on through.”

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