GENERAL WINTER'S SECRET MUSEUM

I got to know The Tea Club after being contacted by Dan from the band since he read my praises for their friends, the NJ based eclectic rock band, The Fun Machine. With clear vocals and powerful guitars and drums, the band plays what sounds like straightforward rock at first, but their musicianship and the intricacies and small twists and various parts in their songs help the outcome achieve what is more than just that original statement.

A warm and heavy chopping guitar riff is your reception as The Tea Club's album starts, evolving into a higher volume song which reminds me a bit of Dredg and Oceansize; however, the band does not stagnate as they present changes within the song about two and a half minutes in, showing a more laid back form, still with the same rich sound. The album in general has a heavy sound to it and the mood alternates from slightly sad to somewhat angry and energetic to moderately happy and anything between those. As one can infer from that, it also means that there is changes in tempo and volume of the music accordingly to appropriately convey these feelings. Thus, the variety comes into play in the compositions and in the spirit they create.

This album will appeal to those who like a creative take on rock, making it more than just another rock band. Song like Big Al, Purple Chukz and The Clincher are very good example of that. It is also a direction I would love to see the band take more and progress to in their future releases. This is definitely where they shine and present their most interesting and captivating ideas, work and playing. A song like Castle Builder shows their more straightforward approach at song writing, which is also effective with its melody and warm rich sound and the melancholic atmosphere it creates. Aside from that, they write quite compelling music, and while I did not find it too catchy, it's definitely enjoyable and very pleasant to listen to and requires several listening "sessions" to grasp it fully. This is a very well produced album with beautiful music and a gripping tone. I am looking forward to their next release.