Geordie Greep, former frontman of the experimental rock band Black Midi, has released his highly anticipated solo debut, “The New Sound,” to critical acclaim. The album represents a major shift from Black Midi’s intense and chaotic sound, introducing a unique mix of progressive rock, jazz and Latin influences. This new direction highlights Greep’s evolving style, proving him to be a creative force in modern music.
The album kicks off with “Blues,” which sets the tone for the eclectic nature of the record. Greep’s signature disjointed rhythms and explosive energy remain, but the addition of Latin rhythms and brass sections brings a fresh, introspective layer to his sound. The use of complex Latin beats throughout the album, especially in songs like “Terra” and the instrumental title track creates a cinematic feel. Instruments like steel drums, along with intricate horn arrangements, give the album a lush, vibrant atmosphere, making it stand out from Greep’s work with Black Midi.
Lyrically, “The New Sound” continues Greep’s exploration of human nature but sharpens its focus on characters disconnected from reality. In the lead single, “Holy, Holy,” Greep critiques toxic masculinity, portraying a man who believes in his superiority while engaging in hollow relationships. Greep’s theatrical style and the zippy jazz-rock instrumentation highlight the irony in the character’s delusions. Lines like “I bet your pussy is holy too” expose the fragility beneath this facade of masculinity, making the song both biting and humorous.
The theme of disillusionment carries through tracks like “Walk Up” and “Through a War.” In “Walk Up,” Greep offers sharp observations about prostitution and failed masculinity, while “Through a War” shifts to a more melancholic reflection on love and loss, wrapped in tender, tropical instrumentation. These tracks show Greep’s ability to create flawed, deeply human characters, elevating the album beyond a simple musical experience.
One of the album’s highlights is “The Magician,” an emotional track that looks at the pain of a breakup. The song starts off slowly with a soft piano melody, then gradually grows into a big, dramatic finish with strings, horns and Greep’s powerful vocals. It really captures the sadness and lingering memories of lost love, with Greep’s lyrics digging into the insecurities and fears that come with the end of a relationship. It’s a personal, heartfelt song that shows how much Greep has grown both as a musician and as a storyteller.
While “The New Sound” delves into serious themes, it doesn’t shy away from moments of humor. Greep’s love for surreal, bizarre characters shines in “Motorbike,” a track about midlife crises and reckless escapism. Seth Evans of band HMLTD takes over vocal duties on this track, adding to its theatrical flair. The chaotic ending, complete with wailing horns and pounding drums, reflects the frantic energy of a man trying to outrun his problems, giving the track both lightheartedness and poignancy.
Quieter songs like “Bongo Season” and “As If Waltz” provide necessary breathing space in the album’s complex narrative. “As If Waltz,” in particular, stands out for its delicate balance between disco and waltz influences, offering a moment of reflection amidst the chaos.
The album’s final song, “If You Are But a Dream,” is a heartfelt ballad that feels very different from the rest of the album. Inspired by 1950s pop and originally performed by Frank Sinatra, Geordie Greep loved how the song’s melody and lyrics came together to create a sense of longing and romantic dreaming. For his version, Greep added a brass band sound, similar to Tom Waits, which makes the song feel rich and emotional. This track closes the album on a nostalgic and touching note, while also showing Greep’s ability to blend different musical styles.
Overall, Geordie Greep’s “The New Sound” is a strong solo debut that pushes the limits of modern music. By blending progressive rock, Latin rhythms and jazz, Greep has created an album that’s hard to fit into one genre, while still feeling personal and emotionally deep. His clever lyrics and ability to build rich, layered music make “The New Sound” a major accomplishment in today’s music scene. With this album, Greep shows he’s more than just an experimental musician — he’s a forward-thinking artist with endless creative potential.
Rating: 4.5/5