The Tea Party [Deluxe Edition]

Windsor's The Tea Party is either a totally retro music experience or, if you subscribe to the theory that everything that goes around comes around, leading edge. The power trio derives its inspiration from the late 60s and early 70s era of acid-tinged rock. Led Zeppelin is the most obvious forefather but, unlike the myriad of fellow acolytes, it's the acoustic, pseudo-mystical elements of Zep's work that most color this release. The Tea Room is more often a letdown on the heavy rocking material. Guitarist Jeff Martin doesn't have Jimmy Page's electric chops no matter how much he would like to. Things work better for The Tea Party when it drops the second-hand Zep stance in favor of other influences from the period. If your local music emporium doesn't carry this independent release, write directly to Eternal Discs at P.O. Box 7436, Windsor, Ont., N9C 4T1. ~ Roch Parisien