THE EDGES OF TWILIGHT

THE TEA PARTY followed up the very successful "Splendor Solis" with an even better album in "The Edges Of twilight". We still get the same style and sound here, it's just that they've improved in just about every way. We even get some spoken words from Roy Harper on one track.Those strange ethnic instruments we heard on the previous album are still here giving this a strong Middle Eastern flavour to go along with the beautiful acoustic tracks and the heavy rocking numbers.There's a picture of Jeff in the liner notes playing this many stringed instrument that i've never seen before. By the way i've read so many comments from people who claimed these guys were brilliant playing live on stage.These three multi-instrumentalists were the real deal folks.

"Fire In The Head" is a song i've heard countless times on the radio and the lyrics are imprinted in my mind. I love when the song kicks in,the guitar is fantastic. Lots of atmosphere ends this amazing track. "The Bazaar" is the other track on here i've heard so many times. It's so exotic and you can just imagine being in the Middle East somewhere in a bazaar in the desert heat with people trying to sell their wares all around you.When this mother kicks in you know it's kicked in ! I like the fast paced vocals and sound here, and the drumming is incredible. "Correspondences" opens with piano and acoustic guitar.Vocals and drums before a minute.Great sound 2 1/2 minutes in with the vocals taking the spotlight. Organ after 3 minutes when the vocals stop.They're back quickly though as themes are somewhat repeated. Great track ! "The Badger" has this interesting sounding intro then it settles with some intricate acoustic guitar work. "Silence" kicks in hard right away with drums out front.The vocals join in quickly.

"Sister Awake" is another song I heard many times back in the day on the radio. Strummed guitar to open as vocals and that ethnic vibe arrive. It picks up after 1 1/2 minutes with tribal-like drumming. How freaking good is this ! "Turn The Lamp Down Low" is a fantastic blues flavoured tune. Check out the lyrics on this one as well. It kicks into gear before 3 minutes.Love the percussion late. "Shadows On The Mountainside" is an acoustic track with reserved vocals. Just a gorgeous ZEPPELIN- like tune. "Drawing Down The Moon" might be my favourite song on here. It sounds like a lost track from the "Physical Graffiti" sessions. It's bluesy and heavy with some ripping guitar. A powerful tune. "Inanna" is Eastern sounding with vocals and drums as well. It kicks in heavier after 2 minutes. "Coming Home" opens with some great sounding intricate guitar work then it kicks in before settling back with vocals. It kicks in again as contrasts continue. "Walk With Me" is the over 14 minute closer. Lots of atmosphere early then reserved vocals come in after 1 1/2 minutes. It then turns powerful and picks up. A calm around 7 1/2 minues then piano and spoken words (Harper) come in with lazy guitar. Silence from after 10 minutes until just before it ends.

In my opinion this is their high-water mark by far. It all fell into place perfectly here. Not a single average track to be found. Essential !