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, ON, 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, “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.