Albums to watch

The New Sound

Geordie Greep

The New Sound

Debut full-length solo release from the ex-Black Midi frontman features over 30 session musicians and was recorded in Brazil and England

ADM rating[?]

7.8

Label
Rough Trade
UK Release date
04/10/2024
US Release date
04/10/2024
  1. 10.0 |   Loud And Quiet

    Soaring to new heights on his solo debut, Geordie Greep delivers on his brief of crafting a ‘New Sound’ that is somehow bolder, stranger and more accessible than his work with Black Midi. Considering that band’s place at the vanguard of experimental rock music over the past five years, this is a remarkable feat
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  2. 9.0 |   Uncut

    It’s an incredible, accomplished confection, kept on track by Greep’s way with a tune and the grotesquery of his ear-catching lyrics. Print edition only

  3. 9.0 |   musicOMH

    Former Black Midi frontman goes solo with one of the most obtuse, thrilling albums to be released this year
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  4. 9.0 |   Sputnik Music (staff)

    The New Sound as a triumphant success for Greep’s burgeoning solo career
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  5. 9.0 |   DIY

    Absolutely bonkers and utterly brilliant
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  6. 8.5 |   Northern Transmissions

    Overall, this album is incredibly complex, and listening to it with an analytical ear is necessary; while I appreciated the instrumentation, the lyrics and themes of the record are interesting yet, at times, come across as a little lacklustre and confusing thematically
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  7. 8.0 |   Far Out

    Wildly accomplished and utterly absurd
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  8. 8.0 |   Slant Magazine

    The album draws its power from its ability to keep multiple balls in the air
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  9. 8.0 |   Clash

    ‘The New Sound’ deftly extracts the unserious bombast of black midi and places it in a grotesque but engrossing atmosphere
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  10. 8.0 |   Dork

    While potentially overwhelming for some, the album rewards more adventurous travellers with moments of brilliance. It’s messy, it’s audacious, and it’s utterly, gloriously alive. Down with boring indeed
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  11. 7.2 |   Pitchfork

    The black midi frontman’s solo debut populates his over-the-top genre workouts with a carefully drawn parade of unsubtle, unsympathetic characters. It’s exhilarating—and occasionally exhausting
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  12. 7.0 |   Under The Radar

    The New Sound shows itself off with a lot of bluster and impressive arrangement, but eventually reveals itself to be just as crumpled and insecure as the protagonists of its songs. At least the compositions are exquisite
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  13. 7.0 |   The Quietus

    Thematic and tonal dexterity accounted for, The New Sound is undeniably an entertaining body of work which highlights Greep’s strengths as a singular songwriter and performer. However, there are instances where Greep throws too many ideas at one song, resulting in misaligned structures
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  14. 6.8 |   Spectrum Culture

    At some point, Geordie Greep is going to need to back up his talent with something other than schtick. In the meantime, he’s got a solid first solo venture under his belt
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  15. 6.0 |   NME

    The debut solo record from the ex-Black Midi frontman is very much in its own head
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  16. 6.0 |   Mojo

    It's a mess of ambition and avant overload, and often too much, but you can't help but admire The New Sound's Stevie Chick wild abandon. And while the whirlwind of concepts and sonic right-turns ultimately fails to cohere, its thrills are many. Print edition only


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