Exile and the Kingdom

After seeing what happened to some Canadian bands such as I mother earth and Moist and almost to our lady peace, it was just matter of time seeing Tea party split up. It didn't look like they had much creativity left.
So Jeff decided to follow in foot step of Edwin and Mathew Good and go solo. Many were left wondering as if Jeff's solo will be any good and he has not disappointed. Though album is not rocky as old TP albums, it still has old TP sound in it. First track "world is calling" defiantly reminds fans of old Middle Eastern sound from TP. And rests of the songs are more acoustic rock mix with blues.
I definitely recommend it even if you never heard of Jeff martin or TP

Jeff did a great job on this album.. and it sounds great with some real diversity in musical influences. Jeff Martin is a brilliant musician and a guitar player that leaves the competition far behind. The first song is a tease however. The Radio single (The World is calling) gives the impression that Jeff has returned to the sounds of early Tea Party with deep heavy sounding progressive rock (ie Sister Awake / life line / Halcyon Days) that TEA PARTY fans will appreciate. But that's it. For those who love The Tea Party, this album will leave something to be desired..(like the other two members). I couldn't help but think while listening to the CD "This song could use better drumming or a more agressive baseline.." Ritash Das is amazing and the fact that he's playing the final song not on TABLAS, but on a table... Yes a table! is VERY COOL ! Jeff's influence of Jimmy Page are apparent in several songs especially STAY INSIDE OF ME and ANGELDUST which sounds alot like "Going to California" DAYSTAR is very melodic and has great potential but doesn't go anywhere... BLACK SNAKE BLUES is a traditional blues song believe it or not, Better than SUN GOING DOWN. Although not as heavy.. THE KINGDOM is a perfect example of a good song (similar to Heavens Coming Down) which just seem like it's lacking something.
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.Not sure what market demographic this album is trying to reach, but JEFF MARTIN fans will love it and TEA PARTY Fans will like it..
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Overall VERY GOOD !

I work at a sunrise records store in toronto and we've played this album numerous times. I wasn't a huge fan of him or The Tea party mainly because I wasn't familar with their music... but let me tell you..... Its amazing!!! Jeff is wayyyy better off without the band and bringing back his old theme to his music really makes u wanna say" Thank-God". If you like the orchestrated, middle-eastern sound.... then why are you still reading this??? Get out there and buy it... You won't be disappointed. What can I say... He's Canadian..hehehe... Keep It up Jeff!!!