Geo Wyeth - Soho Theatre Residency

Geo Wyeth has a short residency at the Soho Theatre in July. You might know Geo better as Novice Theory and it's under that name that he appeared on 'Later... with Jools Holland' back in 2008. I saw Geo a couple of times back then when he was part of Justin Bond's 'Lustre' show at The Soho Theatre when he played a waif with an accordion and sang a mesmerising song.

After seeing him live I downloaded his album, 'At The End We Listen' by Novice Theory. It's a collection of great lyrical songs with simple musical backing. He followed that up with the 'Ordinary Death' EP which was a bit more musically adventurous. He then gave us the 'Blackone' EP by Jive Grave, a band of experimental musicians. And now we have 'Alien Tapes' by Geo Wyeth.

'Alien Tapes' is probably the least accessible of his records - or rather the least immediately accessible of his records, but it grows on you with each listen. It includes an excellent re-interpretation of 'At The End We Listen' from his first record. I hear new lyrical and musical twists and turns each time I listen to the record. I'm really looking forward to seeing Geo perform these songs in July when I see him at the Soho Theatre in July.

When I see him I'll also get hold of the physical copy of the record. I supported Geo's Kickstarter appeal to pre-order the record so he could make it. He's bringing my copy over with him from New York when he comes here in July - he's already sent me a Bandcamp download code so I can enjoy it and I've listened to it a few times.

It's important - as a point of principle - that artists like Geo are enabled to explore their musical, performance and artistic boundaries. Where artists like Geo go today, who knows, but maybe pop music will follow in five years time? I doubt it, to be honest, but it's important that someone pushes the boundaries and who knows what might result from that? Geo is an artist and writes astonishing songs. Give him a listen and maybe go to see his performances at the Soho Theatre or download his music?

Here is Geo's appearance four years ago on 'Later..':