For over 20 years, Canada’s The Tea Party have been making rock music that defies the odds and pierces the soul. Their unique blend of classic rock’n’roll and blues, Moroccan, Indian, and Middle Eastern influences, is the perfect candidate for a live show with an orchestra, and that’s exactly what fans in Melbourne were treated to on Friday night.

The show started with a bang, with Temptation and Psychopomp, off the band’s 2007 album Transmission; the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra providing accompaniment that was in no way needed with a band like The Tea Party, but it was a match made in heaven. Much of the band’s recorded discography contains songs that feature orchestral instruments, so to hear it all put together live was a powerful and striking experience. Songs like White Water Siren and Heaven Coming Down in particular were enhanced by the enormous power of the orchestra, and were taken to a level beyond what can be achieved with a three piece band, even one as talented as the members of The Tea Party.

One of the highlights of the evening was the inclusion of Christine Williams, the enormously talented Canadian vocalist, who joined Tea Party frontman Jeff Martin on vocals for three songs, none more powerful than Walking Wounded. Her range is extraordinary and complimented Martin perfectly.

Correspondences and Requiem were crowd favourites, with plenty in attendance participating in one of the most unique sing-alongs they’re ever likely to be a part of

Sister Awake was the perfect song to end on, wrapping up a truly unique evening of music that was the perfect blend of elegant and pure rock’n’roll.

The Tea Party are always an incredible band to see live, but Friday evening was something truly special. Instead of the usual three talented men one usually sees at a Tea Party show, we were treated to dozens extraordinary gifted musicians who came together to create something unique and beautiful. There’s nothing like it.

Full gallery from Paul Taddy can be viewed here.

AMNPLIFY KS