‘The Geof Whitely Project was formed in 2011, it consists of Geof Whitely and special guest Musicians, the aim of the project is to put out original material in all types of musical formats from Prog Rock-Rock-Pop-Electronic-Instrumental.’
So days the information on the bandcamp page but the Geof Whitely Project is much more than that, it is the brainchild and labour of love of prolific musician Arny Wheatley and is a true progressive vision. Arny releases a lot of albums and there are no massive leaps forward with each one but a steady progression of musical styles and delivery so that, while each are distinctively a GWP album, no two are the same.
This latest release, ‘Paper Tiger’ continues in a similar vein with more depth and further maturity to each track on the album. The opening two songs, Cut Against The Grain and Under The Waves are both a case in point. Like every song that the Geof Whiteley project has released, they are linked by Arny’s distinctive, monotone vocal delivery, a link back to the very first album released, but the music has added layers of sophistication and depth that delivers a very impressive sound. The edgy, synth driven Made A Promise has a funky 80’s feel to it and On The West Bank is an emotive, touching lament to a seemingly never ending conflict. The Prisoner is the Geof Whiteley Project distilled into seven minutes of excellent, hypnotic music with Arny’s vocal drawing you in to his surreal world.
There is a dark, mysterious edge to An Uneasy Presence, a track that has a real Hammer Horror feel to it, it’s deliciously enigmatic and my personal favourite, Force Of The Someone, takes an 80’s Genesis vibe and runs with it to perfection. Fans of antipodean prog band Unitopia will hear touches of that outfit in the light and airy wonder of Cracked Eyes with its masterful keyboards and synths and the laid back but very serious grooves of Vulnerable Species. The album closes with the solemn and haunting I’ve Seen A World, a very impressive piece of music with highly meaningful lyrics, mirrored by the wonderful music.
‘Paper Tiger’ is the Geof Whiteley Project’s most accomplished release yet, an album of intelligent songs that is a plea to the world and a hope that it is not already too late. Well done Arny my friend, you have truly delivered your Magnum Opus and what a wonder it is.
Released 8th January, 2025.
Order from bandcamp here:
https://geofwhitelyproject.bandcamp.com/album/paper-tiger-album