The Tea Party

The Tea Party became monsters of Canadian rock by blending classic ‘60s psych influences with muscular blues, rock grit and globe-spanning sounds. Formed in 1990 in Windsor, Ontario, the band released their self-titled debut, an eclectic mix that at times recalled The Doors, in 1991. It landed them a major-label deal that resulted in 1993’s Splendor Solis, on which they explored a heavier vibe with songs like the monumental “Save Me”, powered by bandleader Jeff Martin’s dramatic, soaring vocals. In 1995, The Edges of Twilight laid into a Middle Eastern vibe (the shadowy “Sister Awake”), and 1997’s Transmission found them embracing bold grunge and industrial elements. In 1999, they released their first single to hit No. 1 in Canada, “Heaven Coming Down”, but they broke up a few albums later in 2005. After reuniting in 2011, they marked their studio return with 2014’s The Ocean at the End, a collection of heavy, thoughtful rock that harkens back to their now-classic ‘90s records.