Though this may be Jeff Martin's solo debut, don't be fooled into thinking that he is a new face. After seven full-length albums as the lead singer/guitarist/songwriter of the Canadian-based rock act The Tea Party he has decided it's time to step out on his own, in full control of his music and his direction. The Tea Party was never a big success in the United States, only scoring a minor radio hit in the late 90's with the track ‘Temptation' from their album Transmission, even though they had success in their native Canada and overseas. Since then Martin and the rest of the Tea Party have drifted far from consciousness of America's music-loving public.

What hasn't drifted though is the consistency and quality of music that Martin produces. Much of The Tea Party's output was intelligent modern rock with a world-music aesthetic and Exile and the Kingdom stays true to many of the elements that made The Tea Party successful, but does not attempt to completely replicate what has already been done. Exile and Kingdom has a palpably lighter feel to the music. The music still is strong and solid but it is less aggressive giving the album a mellower feel by comparison to any of The Tea Party's albums. Album opener “The World is Calling” provides a powerful start to the album, but it could be dangerous as it could easily have been a track off any of the last few Tea Party albums. Tracks like “Black Snake Blues,” which has a far bluesier feel than anything Martin has sang on before, and the closer “Good Times Song,” help show that this album is not necessarily about more of the same, but perhaps about growing past constraints that had been in place by being a part of a successful band. While many people in America missed out on The Tea Party that doesn't mean they have to miss out on this great artist as well.

Rate: 3 out of 5