The Great and Secret Show (album)
The Great and Secret Show is the tenth studio album by American alternative rock band, Toad the Wet Sprocket. It was released on October 15, 2013, through Abe's Records.
The album marks the band's first studio release since 1997's Coil. Following a hiatus and various solo projects from its members, Toad the Wet Sprocket reunited and began touring again in the late 2000s. The Great and Secret Show was funded through a Kickstarter campaign, which allowed the band to maintain creative control over the project.
The album title is derived from the novel of the same name by Clive Barker. Musically, The Great and Secret Show retains the band's signature melodic rock sound, with a focus on strong songwriting and harmonies. The lyrics explore themes of introspection, relationships, and social commentary. Singles released from the album include "New Constellation" and "California Wasted".
Critical reception to The Great and Secret Show was generally positive, with reviewers praising the band's consistent sound and the quality of the songwriting after such a long hiatus. Some critics noted the album's mature themes and the band's ability to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots.