Customer Reviews

Seven Circles

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Be forewarned, this album is NOT another "Splendor Solis" or "Edges Of Twilight"; there's very little in the way of Western influences. On the other hand, this album is also NOT another "Transmission" or "Interzone Mantras"; the lead single may rock hard, but the album isn't about just Spinal Tap guitars set to "11".

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.

I've been a Tea Party fan for years, and I've enjoyed all of their albums, mainly Splendor Solis and Transmission, but I found that although Interzone Mantras was very good, it felt a little strange. Seven Circles is the Party's triumphant return to their roots, since these songs are focussed much more on melody and aching lyrics. This album is simply incredible, and anyone who appreciates musical genius will appreciate this work. Best songs: Oceans, The Watcher

Well Ive only went through it once, but I have to say there really isn't much to it.
I mean it is definitely a new sound, but it hasn't really gotten to me yet.
Most of the songs sound similar, and it sounds like they are trying too hard to convey an emotion. So much that you can't really relate to it.
Bob ROck did have a hand in it, and I wonder if that's why they have the new sound.
Oh well, not too bad, but not great.

I've been a Tea Party fan ever since I heard 'The Bazaar' on a radio station in Boston almost ten years ago. It's been hard collecting their CDs and trying to get to shows since they are famous everywhere but the US. After listening to the new CD several times I've been let down. When I first heard the band, their songs, both lyrically and musically, set a higher standard for rock. 'The Edges of Twilight' inspired my writing and exploring cultural music. Each of the band's CDs seemed to have a different focus, yet they kept their roots close to the world music influences that set them apart from the mainstream. This CD was definately a different focus, but I felt the roots had receded if not disappeared. The songs sound much like the rest that's on the radio. I always appreciated Jeff Burrows intense, but challenging drums. In this outing he seems to have backed off into the realm of a pocket drummer. Jeff Martin's guitar work seemed just loud in most songs. (Probably Bob Rock's doing - stick to Metallica and the Cult, Bob!)

Now...for the good. Jeff's vocals have improved with each record. Listening to 'The River' off their self-titled CD then listening to 'Oceans'. Vast improvement Jeff. The duet on 'Wishing You Would Stay' was unexpected and very well done.

I would recommend this CD for those that already know the Tea Party (well, you'll probably buy it anyways). But those that are new to the band I'd recommend an earlier CD. This is not their best work. (and no, I don't write this review out of spite because they cancelled their Detroit show :) The band had raised the bar and I don't think they met it.

I did not become a big Tea Party fan until Tangents, but since I have really been catching up on their past works. Seven Circles is to me a masterpiece. There is no "filler" tunes on this CD. Each song has something special to offer. I feel the band reached a new high in songwriting as the songs sound much more original and less like some of their Zep/doors stuff of the past. I really fail to see how this CD did not break through in a huge way. Stargazer and Oceans alone are worth the price 10 fold.

Being a massive The Tea Party fan since I discovered the song Underground 3 years ago, I have become a lunatic waiting for this CD to come out.

I admit, it's a wonderful CD with AMAZING tunes... but none of these are up to TTP standards, I believe. The CD on a whole is not as... passionate and put-together as I would've imagined. I think part of it is the song arrangement. I don't get as carried away as I did with my favourite of their album, TripTYCH.

I love indivisual songs, but not it as a whole... but that's alright, because I forgive them anyway for an amazing try. =)

Okay,

Lets all admitt the truth. 1st listen to the cd... dear Lord please help us to get through this time.... by the 3rd time I listened to it, I was delighted to have that cd in my posession.
no, it's not your typical Tea Party cd. But yes it is definitely a great album, it just takes a couple spins to hit you right... once you grasp the reality of the songs you see the whole cd differently. Read the lyrics along with the song and see for yourself, you then grasp a great deal about why the cd was made the way it was. I'm a huge Tea fan and based alot of my own personal music off my interpretations of them, and I'd be lieing if I said this cd didnt effect my newest songs. In fact it helped creates a couple of the best songs I've made in a while. I guarantee you will love it if you give it the chance it deserves, I think anyone who loves the Tea will be able to see the insight to this cd.

One thing that I have always loved about the Tea Party was their use of different instruments to create a unique, eclectic sound that tantalised the senses. Add to that brilliant lyrics and innovative guitar work, and each song became a unique piece of mastery unto itself.
This album... breaks my heart. Not because I'm disappointed with the artistry on it, but because of how touching the lyrics are. "The Watcher" and "Wishing you would stay" sound like such heartfelt, plaintive pleas... while 'stargazer' had a shining, optimistic energy to it.
(That being said, I'm not terribly fond of 'Empty Glass' : it references Bowie a bit overmuch for my tastes).
This album does not have the myriad instrumental dalliances we're used to hearing from this band- it's much more 'earthy' than ethereal, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. People (and bands) who do not change, end up stagnating. I prefer their older albums, but if this is a stage in their evolution, I look forward to seeing where it takes them.

It's better than ever! i love this new direction which also keeps their other stuff in tact aswell a great album!

Is this a great rock cd - maybe, it is definitely a good one. Is this a great Tea Party cd - NO.