:: The Tealeaves - The Tealeaves

The Tealeaves

I have only been recently introduced to the sound of The Tealeaves. They are a seven-piece band from Melbourne and this self-titled album is their first. My impression is one of a very tight unit that delivers serene folk music of high order. The Tealeaves play music that warms you up. Their songs are generated in the vein of meticulous songwriting with glorious harmonies and honest, sweet pop. You will hear various instruments that accompany the vocals beautifully, such as violin, piano, harp, tambourine, and brush drums - all done with deft musicianship. They have written all the tracks except one ‘It's Only Time’, which is a Stephin Merritt (The Magnetic Fields) composition. It's beautifully done by The Tealeaves, yet they seem to hit every right note on all tracks in a calm, melancholy manner. The Australian folk circuit beckons for the band (they are already set for the big Port Fairy Folk Festival in early March) and I would think any keen music lover would enjoy the stripped back songs and vibrant, up tempo numbers in any venue as a feel-good musical moment. The girls and guys in the band all display worthy talent and it should take them a long way if this first album is any indication.