Seven Circles

1) Writing's On The Wall: Opening with a riff somewhere between Led Zeppelin and Rage Against The Machine, this is definitely their new "Temptation." The song's bridge has a small eastern sample in the background, but this sounds thrown in just to remind folks that this IS the Tea Party. Great rock song, but not what one might expect from the Tea Party. 7/10

2) Stargazer: Another full-on rocker, but with a little more depth than "Writing's On The Wall," from opening with strings (albeit not by Marc Ouellette) to heavily sampled drums in the bridge, this is much more of a Tea Party-esque rock song. Will definitely have you tapping your toes. 9/10

3) One Step Closer Away: Starts out with a xylophone, bass and drums, and when Jeff Martin's vocals come in, the song sounds almost like hip-hop; until the pre-chorus drops in, that is. Heavy palm-muted guitars blowing into a wide-open chorus. The vocals in the chorus are not spectacular, but the song as a whole is quite a departure for the band. 7/10

4) Oceans: Written the morning Jeff Martin found out the band's longtime manager and friend, Steve Hoffman, had died from lung cancer. Without a doubt, this is the most moving song I have ever heard from the Tea Party. A bold claim, but when you consider the circumstances, entirely possible. The vocals may sound a bit off, but that's due to the fact that Jeff Martin recorded the song the day he wrote it, and refused to re-record the vocals, since he felt the emotion of that day could never be recaptured. I feel that the imperfections are what make this song so endearing... Jeff's heart is on his sleeve here, and I love him for it. 10/10

5) Luxuria: A track referred to on the message boards as "Classic Tea Party." If you are looking for more "Splendor Solis" this track is for you. This is the main track featuring far Eastern influences (in the forefront, that is). Hard rocking chorus, great vocals, monumental drums and bass. The album is not early Tea Party, but this song is. 9/10

6) Overload: The first of three tracks on the album produced by fellow Canadian Bob Rock (Metallica, Bon Jovi). Living up to the title (and Bob Rock's reputation), this song is riff-driven and hard-rocking. Get ready for bass and guitars doubling riffs, and drums pounding your skull. This is a great song, but once again, a new direction for the Tea Party. 8/10

7) Coming Back Again: Bob Rock track two. Starts with a bass riff reminiscent of Alice In Chains, mixed with an Eastern vibe. This song reminds me of some of the more ambient tracks by A Perfect Circle. The chorus features (you guessed it) heavy guitars and drums. Vocals here are interesting, drawing on a number of styles, from Middle Eastern style chanting, to Western metal sensibilities. This track is disappointing due to its predictability... soft verse, loud chorus, trippy bridge. 5/10

8) The Watcher: Bob Rock track three. A true ballad, complete with Marc Ouellette's strings, soft acoustic guitars, and mellow drums. This song reminds me of "Requiem", off of "Interzone Mantras." The Bob Rock production bleeds through again in the chorus... (I don't think I need to describe the guitar tone...), but the song is very beautiful. "Oceans" remains by far the most powerful, but "The Watcher" is very moving. 8/10

9) Empty Glass: To quote a Tea Party forum post, "Holy Bowie!" This song is full of Bowie references, both lyrically and musically. The vocals sound like Bowie, and how can one ignore the lines "Where do we belong?/Tell me Major Tom?" and "A starman will come/When diamond dogs run/We need ground control..." If you like Bowie (and I do), you will love this tune. 8/10

10) Wishing You Would Stay: A duet between Jeff Martin and another Canadian, Holly McNarland. McNarland's voice dances around Martin's, adding harmonies and a beautiful call and answer between the two in the post-chorus. The music is reminiscent of Supertramp (if only the Rhodes keyboard). The drums and guitar are adequate, but nothing spectacular. The song's true strength lies in the vocals, which are awe-inspiring, and Holly's addition to the song really takes an average song and brings it up. 9/10

11) Seven Circles: The album closer, and possibly rivalling "Oceans" for the best tune on the disc. Opening with Middle Eastern-tinged guitars, kicking into more Zeppelin in the chorus. The song takes a gorgeous turn very suddenly in the second chorus, into an incredible bridge. This song makes perfect sense as the album's title track, seeing as it blends the classic Tea Party sounds with their more recent rock sensibilities. Oh, and did I mention it contains a one minute and twenty-three second jazz guitar solo which bleeds out into a full blown electric guitar duet line? Just an incredible song. "Oceans" is without a doubt the great ballad of the album, and "Seven Circles" is the next rock song to take the world by storm. 10/10

In conclusion, the whole album is a mix of styles, many of which are quite new to the Tea Party, but just beneath the surface, the old Middle East sounds are resurrected. This album is far from being the definitive Tea Party album, but that being said, none of the Tea Party's albums have sounded much like another. If you want more "Splendor Solis," go listen to "Edges Of Twilight." If you want a handful of good rock songs, a ballad which will leave you crying and a rock tune worthy of classic status, buy this album.