IF / WHEN

THE TEA CLUB is a band that I have known in 2015 with "Grappling". Developing a crossover prog in line GENESIS period "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway," I went to get me "Rabbit" and "Quickly Quickly Quickly" more prog metal in my opinion. Hence my question: how would be received this new wine? Admittedly THE TEA CLUB was started in 2003, it is their 5th album and start to be more and more recognized in the world still moving rock post- rock prog-folk-art. Namely that McGowan brothers use a lot of double voice sounds and alternative solos, rhythm changes within the same title and meditative ambience limit toned and clear, ie the panel!

"The Way You Call" begins with a look at the Cat Stevens and a voice of Murray Head style and launches a fresh rhyme, acoustic folk room used as an appetizer. "Say Yes" from a very different look; there is crossover in all its forms, rhythmic and playful air, a voice pulling it Ozzy venerable BLACK SABBATH, music is interspersed notes acoustic guitar is unique because you can not recognize there the group's trademark, which now eyeing up the origins of the 70's. Here, it looks like THE TEA CLUB, maybe a little SHINEBACK after reflection. "If I Mean When" off again on a pop-prog ballad, a priori no interest except to plunge into the origins of the dinosaurs; wandering and voice notes to lull our vigilance. Note qu'enchaînés 3 titles would make a good evolutionary basis. "Rivermen" share in a sound that reminds me of Thom Yorke RADIOHEAD, we are dealing with a musical wandering in 2 acts, all backed by a long crescendo, dark prog piece in the sense that the goal can be imagined; the final is exciting, explosive, enjoyable, almost causing metal: a beautiful piece. "Came At a Loss" comes a little rest ears, acoustic guitar intro already heard on THE WHO for a title that showcases the vocals and guitars, catchy chorus rather, it is about to pop here then a air folk surprising for a band that had its roots with GENESIS and YES. The end evokes a bit THE STRANGLERS is to tell you where one is transported! "Sinking Ship" the title GENESIS time "And Then There Were Three" or QUEEN romantic stroll Version or THE BEATLES, could have written. It's simple and beautiful at once. These securities seeming simple access does not involve less listening more length in intensity, think about it!

For now, nothing to gloat, it's well written, well composed, but no more. We still expect a little more madness somewhere. Occurs therefore "Creature" and 27 minutes at the counter; here is the slap! From the first chords, we remain subdued before so much creativity, we do not know where it will lead us! The first break even defeat hovering over to another electronics with effect from the SIMPLE MINDS, then I find the sounds of HAKEN with voice, samplers, synths, bass and guitars that it give heart to joy, to turn merger GENTLE GIANT KING CRIMSON and knocks on the door. in fact we get to half title with a break "frippien" which already makes you want to read this track! The voices are softer and more ethereal. The piano gives a little sweet melody and then, Here we go again on a long crescendo drawers with more guitar solos, synths which one sends me well in flourishing time of PINK FLOYD eventually soften, rocking ear and sail the high waves of music art. Small reminder end with the melody back the first title as a thinly disguised invitation to press the RESTART button.

That's it, the album is finished! Great moment of caution among the first titles almost too legible and this major piece. I take this opportunity to draw a parallel with PINK FLOYD and albums "Meddle" and "Atom Heart Mother", a pop-folk-prog securities deal without much soul and a huge face, unstructured, juicy, timeless. That's where I come with this album, telling me that if there had been 2 titles like "Creature" we have there the album of the decade. Note that the "album art is like a Rorschach test exploring the themes of death, failure, new life and hope" according to one of the musicians. Another even said that their music can be a way to connect with the beauty of life and fight against the alienation of the world, beautiful abstract a bit more subjective than what I have tried to translate you. A major album in itself, indicating that THE TEA CLUB has digested its evolution.