Review
To truly savor Geordie Greep's debut solo album, "The New Sound," imagine yourself tucked inside a dimly-lit jazz lounge on a balmy São Paulo evening. The air hums with the promise of musical magic, and this multifaceted creation is here to weave its spell. Breaking away from his avant-prog origins with Black Midi, Greep brothers Latin-styled syncopations with sophisticated jazz maneuvers, crafting each track like an artisan piecing together a sonic mosaic. We're talking silky, clever jazz that hints of Steely Dan in songs like "Holy, Holy" and "Terra," while "Motorbike" jolts us into a thrilling post-punk reverie.
Peek into the lyrical realm woven by Greep; it's both thought-provoking and slightly destabilizing. With a sharp, literary edge, his pen dips into the shadows of male sexuality and the multi-faceted human psyche, soaked in the ambiance of vibrant nightlife. "Blues" and "Holy, Holy" revel in dark comedy, while the labyrinthine "The Magician"—a hefty 12-minute saga—delves into the enigma of personal breakdown. This is a landmark where humor and vulnerability whisper secrets into your ears long into the night.
Seamless integration of genre intersections embodies the masterful musicianship on "The New Sound," fortified by the talents of over thirty collaborators including Morgan Simpson on drums. The project showcases some intricate guitar work, dazzling brass, and unpredictable rhythms—a thrilling ride on tracks like the titular "The New Sound" and "Walk Up." Greep not only demonstrates his growing prowess but stamps a charismatic flair onto words and notes. Marked by emotional depth and insight, the entire collection thrills those open to avant-prog’s lively embrace and resonates on waves of jazz-infused electricity. - Aurora
