The Tea Club release "General Winter's Museum" LP

"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."



I'm brand new to Prog Archives, and I play guitar in The Tea Club. Just wanted to share our music with some like-minded individuals. Check us out if you're interested in hearing some new progressive rock:

myspace.com/theteaclub

Here is a link to the band's website: