Band : The Tea Club
Album Title : General Winter’s Secret Museum
Label : Self Release
Distributor :
Release Date : 2008
Review : CD

I hear a lot of potential in The Tea Club’s blend of prog rock, emotional undercurrents, and inventive approach. Strong vocal harmony throughout the recording (the bros Patrick and Dan McGowan contribute voice as well as guitars) along with killer arrangements makes for a great musical time. There’s plenty to discover as the band easily transitions between mellow sections and parts with more grit. What’s interesting is that, while the songs echo bands as King Crimson, Yes, Rush and Gentle Giant, they don’t sound too dated. These songs capture a creative energy and manage to sound fresh and invigorating. Beatles-esque melodies pop up all over the songs with the traditional prog rock elements.The rhythm team of Patrick McGowan and Kyle Minnick is very subtle yet powerful, especially in Minnick’s clever time changes and fills. When you get right down to it, there are no weak tracks on General Winter’s Secret Museum. This is a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.

General Winter’s Secret Museum is a well-thought out and well-played album & I think we'll all be hearing more from The Tea Club in the near future..

90/100

Cosmicmasseur.