I need to start off this article by saying: if you haven’t listened to the new album Humanz by Gorillaz yet, please go do it. You will be glad that you did. Also listen to new Kendrick.

Release art of Demon Dayz Festival announcement - image from stereogum

Did you listen to it before you passed that image? If not, reconsider, but I won’t stop you from reading on because this is just writing, you can do whatever you want. Now to the matter at hand: a look at what the album says. In essence, Humanz takes at its core a stance that is forwardly retrospective, taking aim at where we’ve gotten and how we’ve gotten here – a reactionary stance to the very different world 2017 is from no more than two years ago. All this coming from a group that is known for its innovative status – Gorillaz being an entirely virtual band that exists through internet media.

Still from video for Saturnz Barz (feat. Popcaan) - image from consequenceofsound

For Gorillaz, the goal from the start was to write an album intended for a post-apocalyptic world, one defined by having to look back at the events culminating in such a status. In the words of Damon Albarn, the producer behind the project, “The first Gorillaz album for six years was recorded as a response to the ‘world going [expletive] nuts’”.

And on top of all of that, it. goes. in. Saturnz Barz? Andromeda? Strobelite? The album delivers again and again on providing songs that catch the ear, as well as more tonal, distorted songs that serve as a relief for this bubble-pop sound.

In case you can’t tell – I’m a fan. I couldn’t not recommend it – so there you go, go listen.

Featured image from iTunes