Every so often there is a gig that comes along that leaves you thinking afterwards ‘fuck that was awesome.’ When rumours were flying around that Jeff Martin, yes the legendary ex-Tea Party front man, would be playing the Grace Emily Hotel I thought there would be no way in hell that would happen. The atmosphere amongst the one hundred and ninety punters was electrifying and spot on a quarter past ten Martin cruised down the stairs working his way through the sea of people to get to the stage. Right then and there I wasn’t the only one thinking that this gig would be something special.

Opening with The Bazaar and whipping the crowd in to a frenzy it was Martin who reminded the masses that his new band The Armada was coming and tonight could be the night that the door is closed on some songs. Opting to let the music do the talking Requiem followed before I Love You and The Messenger. There was a taste of what’s to come with A Line In The Sand being one of the first new selections from The Armada sessions.

Expect the unexpected especially when Keane’s Somewhere Only We Know was worked in to the set and was a pleasant surprise. Hearing a few Tea Party classics by way of Coming Home and Winter Solstice was just tops but the song that pushed punters over the edge was Black Snake Blues backed by support act Jami Faulkner on harmonica.

Jeff was done and headed back upstairs but the crowd wanted more breaking in to one hell of a raucous to get him back for at least one more tune. He returned to finish the night off with the classic Sister Awake with the promise that The Armada will be starting the Australian tour in Adelaide.

Credit to opening act Jamie Faulkner who did more than just hold his own and did seem to win the respect of the die hard Jeff Martin/Tea Party fans.