“Xpressions is a non fictitious representation of the most reoccurring experiences of my reality. It was intentionally curated to showcase a large aspect of my world to the people who care to know more about me through the music, as well as being a prompt to them to Live Free and Share their Xpressions”
🗣️ Geoxpress on his new project “Xpressions”.
For avid music listeners who stay in tune far and wide to different genre of music, BAD Kompany World is the one to pay attention to. A record label with so many unique and talented underground artists on it’s roster. Acts like Tonee C, Geoxpress, 9t9, Vanfavia et cetera have earned widespread appeal to their music. This writer will always opine that Tonee C’s “STARDUST” and Geoxpress’ “Xpress Riddim” are top underground projects released in 2022. Both have seamless project experience and leave a lasting impression on the listeners.
That aside, there is something so slick about the label’s roll-out process for their artist’s project that captivates potential listeners before it is even released. Already making a name for itself in the south side of the country by recruiting fresh and talented acts into its rosters while plunging them into superstardom in their best capacity, the label has done a fantastic job so far. It’s has an interesting prospect, it will be essential to see how it grows.
Now, to the man of the day, Geoxpress. Sixteen months after the release of his mixtape “Xpress Riddim“, which positioned him as a scintillating breed amongst the plethora of artists emerging in the Afro Fusion/Alté genre. Geoxpress offers his official debut project titled “Xpressions” which has him alternate between subjects of Freedom, Romance, and Celebration of Life on a variety of stylistic Afro Fusion production. With this project Geoxpress finely expands the ambit of his crystallizing sonic formular, showcasing his new found confidence and self expression.
[READ]: Our review of Geoxpress “365 ( Grime Riddim)” [Remix] with Eugy.
No dabbling around as it is straight to business on the opener, “Free“. Soothing indie-like keys and then heavy bass drums welcomes us instantly as it comes on. Its alté production is well prominent and it sets the backdrop across the entire song. Geoxpress is not doing much here lyrically as he keeps it simple. He yearns for freedom from his muse, which he portrays as a lady that hypnotizes him. He goes through all of her inducing actions across two verses and makes his stance of freedom known in the hook.
We alight off that breezy pop sonic atmosphere to a bouncy Hip-Hop/RnB fusion soundscape on the next track, “Ashes On My Burberry“. With it slow pace and soulful rendition by the artist, it transcends listeners imaginations to a scenario of romantic sensations on a summer night. Without doubt, the lyrics provides the confirmations to our fantasy. It’s a brilliant set up in that the production already set the intention of the track before for the artist comes on.
“La La La” is playful and that gives it a commercial edge, it would not be a surprise if it’s the pick of the project which is sent to the media houses for promotion. Even at that, it still retains the true essence of the artist’s sonic formular, so Geoxpress did not have to lose himself while trying to make something that will surely appeal to a larger audience. The production is well layered and structured, you could hear so many instruments that will captivate you across the song.
“Bad Boy” slows the tempo down once again as Geoxpress finds a subtle and unique space between RnB and Hip-Hop which he confidently fits in. Alté, naturally, is genre bending, and it is no surprise that the artist settles in easily. On “Bad Boy“, Geoxpress ponders on the tantrums thrown between him and his muse who he is in a relationship with. He posits that “I no be bad boy” although his partner feels otherwise, a role played through background vocals by label mate, Vanfavia. It will have been nice to have duet by both artists, but nonetheless, it’s still a great song which near perfect execution.
Released as the one of two lead singles of the project sometimes late last month, “Jo” possess mainstream capabilities with it’s vibrant production. Geoxpress is back to a celebratory mood as he is bent on having fun and enjoying life as it comes. He showcased some of his pop-rap sensibilities as he picked out some subtle spaces on the production to float like a well seasoned rapper and also singing when required.
Crossing over from “Xpress Riddim“, with the remix released earlier this year, “365 ( Grime Riddim)” makes the cut on Geoxpress’ second body of work and it does not come as a surprise. Apart from it’s top notch mainstream sensibilities, the remix is almost flawless as Eugy aligns suitably with the sonic atmosphere of the song. It doubles as a feel good and melancholic vibe record. This song has a high peak ceiling and it’s not there yet, trust this EP will amplify it more.
The ocean has long been associated with exploration and the possibility of new beginnings, and seascapes may be used to evoke a sense of freedom and adventure. All of these elements are evident all over the project and it is no wonder to see so much connectivity between the thematic, recording and photography direction for the project. The cohesiveness of all those elements scored a lot of points for the project. The intention was clear and he lived by it in expressing himself in all forms possible.
This is a very good project by all standards. Not often do we come across project with so much cohesiveness yet simplicity in its overall rendition, but Geoxpress did it well and with style too. It remains unconfirmed if he can do that with a LP, but it would not be uncanny to believe he can. For what it’s worth, he has got a great body of work in his hands and simultaneously made it 2/2 in his discography.
[LISTEN]: Xpressions EP by Geoxpress.
– This review is written by Adebayo Boluwatife, an Album Talks writer. ( Twitter: @BIG_BOLUWATIFE).
