Obsession is a bitch, it grabs us all in some way or form. For me it’s music – once I become invested in a particular band I must obtain their complete works as a matter of principle.

Jeff Martin and his cohorts first took hold of me way back in ‘93 when my Dad purchased a copy of Splendor Solis and has flourished ever since, until now. A particular block to the completion of my collection surfaces when I am informed by the wonders of Wikipedia that Splendor Solis is not in fact the bands debut album and that prior to this a self titled independent album was put on limited release. All but impossible to find injury is added to insult when I learn that the master tapes were destroyed and no re-release will be made.

A slight reprieve comes to me however in the form of news that Jeff Martin has formed a new Rock trio, The Armada,’ in the style of the Tea Party and that they will be performing at the Hi Fi Bar.

The first thing to note about the Hi Fi Bar is that for its size it is probably the loudest venue in Melbourne. With the barrage of throbbing bass and squealing highs my ear drums had no where to hide.

Opening for The Armada is Perth act Still Fire who launch into some old school straight up rock and roll. Undeterred by the audiences distance from the stage, the pit is all but empty, the band leap about and take up various rock poses for the photographers at front of stage.

All skinny jeans, open shirts and sideburns Still Fire’s vocalist Gabriel Lee comes off like a twisted love child of Lemmy and Josh Homme, Lurching from gravel chewing shouts to melodious blues strains. Added to this is a definite stoner rock groove in the music and its players who proceeded to jump in the air every time there is a drop in the beat.

The band seem split in two to some degree, showing all bravura and cockiness in their playing but nerves jutting out when confronted with speaking to the crowd, cautiously thanking Jeff, stating their name then quickly hiding behind another song.

One of the best moments is one of classic rock cliché with Lee singing about not wanting to work a dead end job just wanting to Rock and Roll then in the closing jam he proceeds to slide to his knees whilst whirling through the crescendo of noise. Single Falling Down also gets off to a kicking start Gabriel groaning, – œI know now…I’m falling down again.’

Closing by jumping into the still empty pit and ripping through power cords the audience maintain the distance but seem some what won over judging by the applause at sets end.

When The Armada take to the stage the room has filled and swelled forward to the stage lip. The original pairing of Jeff Martin and Wayne Sheeye is joined by ex Sleepy Jackson Bassist J Cortez who appears as if he’s just come out of Narnia with his long hair and brimmed hat all but concealing his eyes.

Wayne Sheeye’s drumming kicks us into killer new track Morocco, it’s easy to see why Martin claims Sheeye is the best drummer he has ever seen. His eyes glazed in an expression of pure energy waiting to burst forth he looks like a madman, a figure of perfect speed and restraint almost as if he’s hit the drum before the kit has registered it. This is followed closely by the asian overtones of Chinese Whispers. At which point Martin briefly falls into Stone Roses track I Wanna Be Adored singing, – œI don’t have to sell my soul, it’s already in me.’

Jeff jovially declares that his mother told him not to deny his past before leaping into one of several Tea Party tracks most of which are not the expected big numbers and all of which are pulled from the bands early years. Martin obviously serious about going back to his roots with this new endeavor. Martin’s light hearted attitude continues as the crowd proceeds to address him as Jeffery, which no one but his mother calls him he retorts.

The majority of the material is made up of tracks from the new album, standouts including Line In The Sand, Going Down Blues, Black Snake Blues, The Rosary and Invocation. The latter of which features Martin taking up a bow in the style of his hero Jimmy Page and sawing at his electric guitar.

In fact Jeff Martins impressive collection of Guitars is one of the key elements put on display here. At one point he pulls out a dual necked acoustic which he informs us was custom made for him by Australia’s own Maton. Going on to explains how being a difficult person they offered him a twelve string and he asked for this behemoth instead before telling us he is going to try and do it justice. He does so, and then some, by playing through the instrumental Tea Party track Winter Solstice.

On top of his almost classical expertise of the guitar Martin maintains an impressive Baritone vocal range. The kind of voice that commands both attention and authority, like a modern day Jim Morrison. So much so that when he sings, – œbaby please don’t go baby please don’t go back to Morocco’, you feel his loss and fear in the quaking of his voice.

The Armada closed without warning but assure us they’ll be back and are true to their word. The band returned for a single song encore, an incredibly faithful rendition of Save Me from Splendor Solis. Then they are gone again and this time the audience’s applause is all the more intense.

However there is more to come as an announcer comes onstage and alerts us that as this is the first official Armada show the band will be doing signings and photos for those who hang around. Suddenly my heart leaps this may be my chance find out first hand how I can gain that elusive Tea Party album.

I purchase a poster and album and wait patiently in line excitement building finally at the front I pose my question to Jeff only to receive the response, – œIf you get a copy you can give one to me’. Apparently even Jeff Martin no longer owns a copy. On further inquiry I discover that Jeff Burrows, former Tea Party drummer, does hold a copy but is unwilling to share it with any one else including Jeff Martin himself.

So my collection remains incomplete but on the plus I got to see an exciting new band, talked to Jeff Martin and the journey continues. Perhaps that is what obsession is all about, the thrill of the chase.

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