Mike Deni and the band chose the name Geographer because they liked the metaphor of songs being the maps of emotional states. Seeing them live is like getting a first-hand tour of their lives and emotions, with the help of their maps (aka, albums). Suffice it to say, Deni is an outstanding tour guide. This is the Animal Shapes 15 Year Anniversary Tour. He says it’s interesting to sing these songs he wrote when he was so sad. Since then, he’s gone to therapy and gotten married and is in a much different emotional space. 

Deni has a fantastic voice. His smooth and compelling sound is especially apparent when he sings Kites, one of the crowd’s favorites.  He starts by recording the melody at a slow pace on a small synth.  Once it is recorded, he just presses one button repeatedly which plays the notes at the pace he hits the button.  It allows him to play the notes very quickly as he sings.  When the full band joins in, the whole audience begins dancing around.  It’s a great build that leads to a fantastic payoff. It’s also a special treat when he breaks out his saxophone. 

The band sounds a lot like Hot Chip and Cut Copy. They are all a mix of indie rock, dance music, and synth pop.  Their sound is created with an impressive list of instruments. Mike Deni is on vocals, guitar, keys, synth, saxophone, and cowbell. Alex DiDonato rocks the guitar and bass. Jules de Gasperis crushes it on drums. 

Geographer has found a second home in Atlanta and we believe them when they say they’ll be back soon!

See a similar recent setlist here. 

Quinn Delaney