It has been seven years since Gorillaz finished recording The Fall. After numerous accolades and truly one-of-a-kind tours, the band slid into a lengthy sabbatical. Now Murdoc Niccals (bass), Noodle (guitar) Russel Hobbs (drums) and 2D (vocals) have returned with their latest album Humanz. The recording comes via London, Paris, New York, Chicago, and Jamaica, to add a worldly perspective to the animated band.
Gorillaz have always been a celebration of musical freedom. Sometimes a little silly, sometimes a little dark, always a little different. Humanz is a continuation of this difference. It’s a chaotic meeting of 2D’s vocals and Murdoc’s foul influences.
Humanz also sees Gorillaz dip back into the hip hop genre for some quality rhymes. Submission, Momentz, and Ascension have features from Danny Brown, De La Soul, and Vince Staples. All of these artists channel energy through Russell Hobbs’ pulsing percussion beats and create a worthy serving to a rap fans appetite.
Saturnz Barz featuring Popcaan is from the Jamaican leg of the recording. It takes a reggae approach but twisted with 2D joining in to lend lyric and vocal aid. The complete mismatch in voice and styles is repeated in Sex Murder Party featuring Jamie Principle and Zebra Katz and She’s My Collar feat Kali Uchis. These last two songs are definitely not reggae influenced.
Overall Humanz is more reminiscent of Demon Days than it would be of Plastic Beach or The Fall. Certainly an album to enjoy.
By Jimmy Hall
