Splendor Solis by The Tea Party

Splendor Solis (1993) is The Tea Party's second album, and their first major label release on EMI Music Canada. The overall tone of the album is very organic and natural, with many songs featuring 6- and 12-string guitar acoustic guitars, and very little in terms of electronic effects or production techniques. The album draws heavily on the rock and blues of the 1970s, as well as displaying some psychedelic influences. As a result, The Tea Party was often compared to Led Zeppelin, a parallel that was reinforced by Jeff Martin playing guitar with a violin bow (not unlike Jimmy Page) on "Save Me". Martin's appearance, voice and singing style also drew comparisons to those of Jim Morrison, as did some of the album's lyrics. "Sure," said Stuart Chatwood said of these comparisons "we draw from 70s rock as much as the other influences we've talked about. You can't ignore the power that Led Zeppelin or The Doors had, and there are elements of those influences in our songs, but it's a cop out to then write us off as some retro act. If people listen closely, they'll appreciate the originality of what we're doing, time changes. The fact that Jeff's a rock baritone doesn't justify the laziness of critics who slag him as a Morrison wanna-be." Splendor Solis sold very well in Canada, reaching #20 on the Canadian album chart and platinum status in 1994 (now double platinum in 2000), and earning a Juno nomination for "Best Hard Rock Album". The band was also nominated for "Best New Group". Splendor Solis was also The Tea Party's first gold selling album in Australia, where the band have enjoyed great success throughout their career.