Geordie Greep Shakes First Avenue

On Monday, January 27th, English musician Geordie Greep played First Avenue’s main stage, bringing an energetic and eccentric performance for his fans. 

Former vocalist and guitarist for the experimental rock band Black Midi, Greep continues to spearhead his signature blend of avant-garde jazz, noise rock, and punk influences.

NNAMDI

Opening the show was Chicago-based artist NNAMDÏ who also can’t really be defined by one genre. His music is incredibly versatile, blending math rock, hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and experimental pop into something uniquely his own. His live performance can shift from intricate, complex rhythms and virtuosic guitar work to smooth, melodic vocals and playful, genre-bending beats. 

When he stepped on stage, he didn’t waste any time. Bathed in a strong blue light he started his set bathed in a strong blue light, he performed his music powerfully. It wasn’t until after he played his first three songs, he began to show some of his personality. As he played through his set, he started smiling more and engaged with the audience – even asking for some call-and-response work with the crowd. 

His constant switching from rapping to singing was seamless, showcasing his talent and musicianship. During the second half of his performance, he layered unpredictable time signatures with electronic textures, which created a sound that felt both chaotic and highly refined. NNAMDI kept me on my toes, and I was super glad I got to see him live. 

GEORDIE GREEP

When Geordie Greep hit the stage, the main room practically erupted in cheers. Clad in his signature eccentric style, Greep opened with a labyrinthine composition filled with intricate guitar lines and erratic time signatures. He immediately set the tone for an evening that defied conventional structure.

Coming off of releasing his debut album “The New Sound,” a lot of people’s eyes (mine included) were on Geordie Greep. I was a huge Black Midi fan, but never got the chance to see them live. When I saw Greep was coming to my city, I didn’t hesitate to see him.

Some crowd favorites of the night were “Tera”, where the crowd couldn’t help but sing along, “Cua Cua ra, cua cua,” a badass Willie Colón cover), and “Holy, Holy,” a signature track off the album that has gained a lot of traction on social media.  

Greep’s crooning backed by a fiery fast-paced jazz was enough to wake anyone up on a Monday night. 

The setlist was a blend of avant-garde explosions and raw intensity. Greep’s guitar playing was nothing short of mesmerizing—each note seemed meticulously placed yet chaotically unhinged. The band was incredibly tight and each of the musicians was mind-blowing. The interplay between jazz-inflected solos and abrasive punk-like bursts kept the performance unpredictable, a hallmark of Greep’s approach to music.

For those seeking a simple and chill concert to see casually, this was not it. But for anyone craving something a little more – Something intense, a little boundary-pushing, Geordie Greep will 100% scratch that itch.