The New Sound

by

Geordie Greep

black midi’ has been one of my favourite discoveries so far this decade, but already with ‘Hellfire’ it was clear that their avant-garde rock style was becoming too small for them. Precisely in the songs sung by Geordie Greep, you could feel the strained concerns that have become evident in the well-titled ‘The New Sound’.

Clearly, if you’re looking for an extension of bm in solo format, this album will disappoint. Greep’s eclectic conservatory culture permeates every song, and it’s evident that he’s aiming for some sort of timeless Dr. Manhattan-esque vision that brings together all his influences: from hardcore to funk to bossa-nova (and more genres I’d rather not reveal). Always from an almost variety show perspective, with the soloist as the unleashed conductor.

Even so, for such a bizarre album, it’s a very interesting listen: the performance of the accompanying band and the production are so intentionally clean and impeccable that it doesn’t feel like a work of this century. I don’t know if it will be vindicated or end up falling into the bucket of indulgences of certain self-proclaimed geniuses, but Greep has been at ease and his satisfaction is contagious.

Fav track: ‘Motorbike’ if you’re looking for black midi; ‘Walk Up’ if you’re feeling more adventurous.