Geoff Geis has some pedigree in the L.A. scene, having been with bands like Pizza! and Big Whup. Here he steps out with a solo album on his new Vanity Projects label. Recorded on 4-track, it’s charming from start to finish.
“Mother of All” sarcastically, or tragically, tells the story of an accused despot, critiquing the rush to justice against Saddam Hussein with a party-time electro beat. This tone is retained throughout the album, with dramatic narratives channeling Gary Wilson (“So Tired Of Wasting My Time”) as well as more surprising elements of vintage doo-wop (“Where Have You Been (All My Life)?”), cosmic prog (the instrumental “Airplane Jam”), and even straight-ahead country music (“The Lonesome Part”). All through, there are lyrical nuggets of wisdom and self-knowledge that resemble Chris Weisman, which are set against Geis’ catchy and economical tunes.
The release appears to be sold out, which I guess is a good sign that Geis has reached some people who will dig this as much as I did.
