The Tea Club is an independent rock band from New Jersey. The band consists of Patrick McGowan, Dan McGowan, Becky Osenenko, Charles Batdorf, and Joe Rizzolo. They are known for writing songs of an epic nature, comparative to the early progressive rock bands of the 1960's and 70's. They also incorporate elements of post-rock, alternative rock, and space rock. A major part of the band's signature sound are the dual vocals and harmonies of Patrick and Dan McGowan, as well as their usage of unique guitar chords and chord patterns, often times played in alternate tunings.
They are known for writing songs of an epic nature, comparative to the early progressive rock bands of the 1960's and 70's. They also incorporate elements of post-rock, alternative rock, and space rock. A major part of the band's signature sound are the dual vocals and harmonies of Patrick and Dan McGowan, as well as their usage of unique guitar chords and chord patterns, often times played in alternate tunings.
Conceived in Deptford, New Jersey in the fall of 2003, The Tea Club was the masterful toil of teenage brothers Patrick and Dan McGowan (guitars, vocals), Kyle Minnick (drums), and Jim Berger (bass).
After two years with the band, bassist Jim Berger was asked to leave. Rather than trying to replace him, the band decided they would try life as a trio and did so for a little over a year.
Between the inception and Fall 2006, The Tea Club independently recorded four EP's, one of which attracted the attention of Producer/ Engineer Tim Gilles (Thursday and Taking Back Sunday). So inspired by the band's obvious talent, Tim Produced, Recorded and Mixed their first full length album entitled "General Winter's Secret Museum". The album was well received, particularly by progressive rock fans, who praised the band's fresh take on a classic genre.
With the tracking of the record behind them, The Tea Club once again went in search of a bass player, and another long time friend Becky Osenenko fit the bill.
After briefly touring "General Winter's Secret Museum" along the East Coast, The Tea Club returned to Big Blue Meenie Studios to record their second album in the Fall of 2009. The album was once again produced by Tim Gilles, and featured guest keyboardist Tom Brislin (Spiraling, Yes, Renaissance).
Following these recording sessions, the band went through several line-up changes. Founding member Kyle Minnick left the band, leaving The Tea Club to seek a new drummer. They found him in Joe Rizzolo, a drummer from New Jersey who the band met through mutual friends of Big Blue Meenie Studios. Becky Osenenko switched from playing bass to playing keyboards full-time. Another old friend, Charles Batdorf, took over the bass duties. Original member Jim Berger also rejoined the group, this time playing a third guitar instead of the bass.
The Tea Club released their second album, "Rabbit", on October 9th 2010, with a show at The Auction House in New Jersey. They spent the remainder of 2010 and the majority of 2011 playing many shows along the East Coast, including ProgDay, the world's longest running progressive music festival. Glowing reviews and articles about the band were featured in publications such as Metro Philly, JUMP, Origivation, and Indie Music Reviewer.
On November 5th, 2011, the band entered Big Blue Meenie Studios to record demos for a third album. Shortly after this, Jim Berger quit the band, leaving The Tea Club as a 5 piece. Patrick, Dan, Becky, Charles, and Joe spent the next few months re-working the new songs without Jim's third guitar. They only played two live shows during this period, including an acoustic show opening for Jimmy Gnecco of the band Ours.
They returned to Big Blue Meenie Studios in March 2012 to begin tracking the new album. Between March and April '12, the band recorded two albums worth of new material.
In May 2012, The Tea Club were asked to open for the Swedish progressive rock band Beardfish for their mini-tour of the United States.
The Tea Club's third as-of-yet-untitled album is currently scheduled for a Summer 2012 release.