The Tea Party
Showbox, Seattle, WA
04.04.17

Mention The Tea Party and people think one of two things: politics, or the Toronto-based “Moroccan roll” 3-piece band that brought Seattle out to The Showbox to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Transmission.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years already since the band’s third album, one of their most popular next to Edges of Twilight. However, this was the album that first got me into The Tea Party. I picked it up simply because I liked the simplicity and design of the album cover. But upon listening to the album’s crazy blend of Middle Eastern rock and riffs that grab you, I was hooked. Singer/guitarist Jeff Martin also has one of the most unique and identifiable voices in the game.

It was shocking that the show wasn’t completely sold out, as last years “Edges Of Twilight Tour” was. Nonetheless, fans gathered for the rock extravaganza. It unfolded into two sets with an intermission, the band playing the album in its entirety.

The band took the stage a little late to adoring screams, and broke right into “Army Ants.” A talented multi-instrumentalist, Martin was a dynamic front man, with the commanding vocals that have always been part of their signature sound.  Bassist Stuart Chatwood laid down the groove and Jeff Burrows thundered away on the drums. It was so much fun to see them enjoying these moments together and just rocking out.

“The thing that sucked about 2016 the most is that we lost so many great artists. Still, to this day he is a massive influence on me, us, and so many. I’d like to dedicate the song to David Bowie. Without his influence, Transmission might never have happened,” said Martin, before breaking into the title track, which contained parts of “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Sober.” This was the end of the first set before they took a 20-minute break.

Returning with the second set of classic Tea Party favorites, the band also played covers, like U2’s “With or Without You,” which had the crowd singing along.  They ended the 2+ hour set with “Sister Awake,” which contained a larger medley of songs like “Paint It Black” from the Stones and Queen’s “Under Pressure.”

I often find it incredible to see such love for the Canadian trio, but their music has struck such a chord and found a place in the hearts of many. As always, they put on a fantastic show!

The Tea Party Set 1
Army Ants
Babylon
Psychopomp
Gyroscope
Emerald
Alarum
Release
Transmission
Embryo
Pulse
Aftermath
Temptation

The Tea Party Set 2
River
Bazaar
Ocean
Heaven
Save Me
Sister Awake

Review and photos by Neil Lim Sang

The Tea Party