The Tea Club

"Formed in 2003, when their oldest member was a mere 20 and their youngest a ridiculous 15, THE TEA CLUB is a progessive rock band that consists of Patrick McGowan, Dan McGowan, and Kyle Minnick, original bass player Jim Berger, who left the band in 2005, and newcomer Jason Barsotti. A progressive rock band "in denial", because of their painful awareness of the look-what-i-can-do pretentiousness that is often associated with all things "prog", THE TEA CLUB is a group that focuses more on their songwriting than their technical ability. Though they can't deny their love of prog bands like King Crimson and Yes, and cite them as major influences, infamously manic depressive brothers Patrick and Dan can take the band's sound from an early 70's art rock outfit, not unlike Gabriel-era Genesis, to an art punk Sonic Youth inspired feedback frenzy, depending on their mood. Live, THE TEA CLUB is known for their intensity; Patrick and Dan singing like their lives depend on it, while Kyle and Jason create a thunderous and machine-like rhythm section; Gigs often end with band members lying on the ground next to broken guitars as captivated audience members are unsure whether to applaud or call for an ambulance.
In 2006, THE TEA CLUB were discovered by producer Tim Gilles (Thursday, Taking Back Sunday), who invited the band to come down to his studio, Big Blue Meenie Studios in Jersey City, NJ, to record a debut album, which became "General Winter's Secret Museum" (2008). With the always passionate dual lead vocals of Patrick and Dan, the McGowan brothers also sing Beatle-esque harmonies together, while using their guitars to create intricate and beautiful arpeggiated melodies in the likes of Sunny Day Real Estate. The always inventive drums of Kyle Minnick make mesmerizing and elaborate grooves throughout the record, bringing to mind a young Phil Collins or Bill Bruford. Though original bassist Jim Berger co-wrote the basslines for some of the songs, Patrick plays the bass on the album, and, like Chris Squire or Ray Shulman before him, uses the bass to carry the melody throughout instrumental sections, while maintaining a razor sharp precision with Kyle's drums. "General Winter" showcases the bands natural song writing abilities and is a valiant salute to the band's influences, whilst retaining their own unique vision and identity. Among several independently released EP's, this is the band's first full length LP.
Though still a young band, THE TEA CLUB is a true "progressive" rock band of amazing talent, brimming with originality and great potential."



www.myspace.com/theteaclub

Thank you. Yes, the "grungier" side of our music isn't really represented by the songs on our MySpace... the experimental stuff is what gets us out of bed in the morning these days

Thanks for listening kind sir!

I'm finally listening, not sure why I missed this before, and will give my opinion later on today.
Edit: Oh, I didn't notice it before because it's in Unsigned Bands.


Edited by Logan - October 06 2008 at 13:14

I should stop making promises that I too often don't keep.  I was planning to post my opinion/ evaluation last night, but other things going on so I completely forgot.  I will try to say something substantial this evening, but no promises.  I would now, but I have to leave in a few minutes....  EDIT: Was in such a  rush to pick my daughter up from kindergarten (it's walking distance) and now I have go to skating in a few minutes that I forgot to mention that I enjoyed the music.  Good stuff -- will say more later.


Edited by Logan - October 07 2008 at 17:51

I've voted against it in Eclectic.

I think it has considerable progressive qualities/ tendencies.  It is good.

Given that the band is being discussed for inclusion - I'm moving them from Unsigned to Suggest.

Great work, folks (in the band, that is!)

It looks like Eclectic is not going to be the place for The Tea Club. Not to worry, though, there are still a couple of of places I could see them fitting in accurately.

Zuir wrote: Every single trapping and quality needed to qualify for the "Prog" title is present. They should be added as "Prog". TG

being looked at by the crossdressers

and added..

http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=4144