The debut album from this ex-Tea Party frontman sees him abandoning the commercial sheen that adorned previous TP albums to return back to his alternative roots, mixing hard rock tunes with various world sounds.

It's been acknowledged for years now that Martin is indeed a very talented man but Exile And The Kingdom is far from his best work. Sadly, most of the grandeur Martin brought to the Tea Party now comes off as a little overblown, a tad wanky and sounding pretty much like Jimmy Page leftovers. While the overall record is delivered in a mostly passive way, the opening ‘World Is Calling' has a true ferociousness that leaves the subsequent tracks to establish their own identity in a peaceful, calm way.

Potential single ‘The Kingdom' features hymn-like harmonies and a pleading vocal, leaving it a gentle and fitting tribute to Martin's new Irish homeland. If the direction his former band took in recent years alienated you somewhat, than this record just might help you appreciate the talents of Martin once more.

Rate: 3 out of 5