MAD TEA PARTY

An obscure German Neo Prog band from Cologne, found in 1994 by guitarist Markus Sagschneider.Two years later Mad Tea Party had a stable core, featuring also singer Alexandre Zindel, keyboardist Wolfgang Braun, bassist Till Brandt and drummer Martin Mueller.1996 sees also the release of their first work, a 20-min. 4-track self-titled EP.

The opener ''Another face in another dream'' is not actually a Prog track, more of a Melodic Pop/Rock and AOR affair with sweet vocals, light keyboards and a decent guitar solo.''Private investigation'' sees the band eventually stepping in proggier territories, although Zindel's voice fits better in a Pop Rock band despite his great color.This track holds similarities with compatriots CHANDELIER, interesting combination of keyboards and more fiery guitar playing, good tempo changes and more deep musicianship.''The journey of J.J. Prey'' is absolutely pointless, unimaginative Pop Rock in the vein of early-80's GENESIS, forgettable with cheap and mellow music supporting Zindel's voice.''A silent conversation'' is a bit better, though quite AOR-oriented.This reminds me a bit of MYSTERY at their early steps with good keyboard passages, a good ending solo but overall. a somewhat weak 80's sound.

Not a release you should go after and there is a reason why this album remained unknown.One very good track among three other mediocre compositions make the album suitable only for Neo Prog die hard fans.