IF / WHEN

I've been meaning to listen to The Tea Club for years, but never did I pull the trigger. However, with this release they demanded attention, and now I feel foolish for ignoring a very good band. While every song present on this album is worthwhile, expect for possibly "Sinking Ship", I'll only be going over my favorites.

The initial song is short but quite indicative of the album with great singing and a melody that will be reintroduced in the last last song (to great effect)--love the acoustic guitar! "Say Yes" is a very good rocker with an infectious--well--everything! "Rivermen" is a song that begins in a simple, somewhat creepy yet calming manner that's akin to a bedtime story but grows in goosebumps-inducing intensity; it's really well done. Finally, "Creature" concludes this album on a very, very high note. All the musical ideas that preceded this song are included in it and then some; from the beautiful acoustic work featured in "The Way You Call" to the heaviness of "Rivermen", it has everything. Heck, there's even an electronic section that, while unexpected, works really well! Even more impressive is that "Creature" both feels cohesive and short despite its long running time. It's easily the best epic of the 2019 (Sorry, IZZ!) with an ending that leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, this album is a menagerie of wonderful melodies, beauty, passion, and of course, musicianship. I'm not a good writer, but I hope this textual excursion intrigues you enough to listen to this great work of art.