Geordie Greep’s debut solo album, 'The New Sound', marks a departure from his work with black midi, embracing a sense of complete creative freedom. For the first time, Greep had no one to answer to, allowing him to explore new musical territory without limitations. The result is a vibrant, genre-defying collection of alternative pop that merges the absurd and the brilliant, maintaining a balance of fun and complexity. With influences ranging from Frank Zappa to Frank Sinatra, Greep pushes boundaries and showcases a unique, all-encompassing musical vision.
The creation of 'The New Sound' is as eclectic as its sound, featuring over thirty session musicians across two continents. Greep recorded half of the tracks in Brazil, where local musicians, unfamiliar with his previous work, were drawn to his demos and recorded the tracks in just one or two days. The album is a dynamic mix of styles, with its instrumental title track—a jazz-funk workout—evoking a sense of theatricality, while other songs blend brass, polyrhythms, and shifting tones, creating a sense of excitement that builds unpredictably.
Lyrically, the album delves into a world of wild, surreal fantasies, exploring themes of desperation and self-deception. Greep plays the role of emcee, guiding the listener through vignettes filled with outlandish scenarios, from cannibalism to a woman giving birth to a goat. Set against the backdrop of street life—cafes, bars, and rented rooms—'The New Sound' blurs the lines between parody and sincerity, culminating in tracks like “Holy Holy,” a romantic fantasy set in a nightclub. Looking ahead, Greep plans to continue experimenting with new groups of session musicians in different locations, ensuring that his sound remains as unpredictable as ever.
