Gorillaz - 'Gorillaz' (Parlophone)
4/5
By: Toby L
OK, let's just get this straight: Gorillaz are cartoon characters? And you say they write their own tunes as well? Right, so that means, when it comes to them playing live, there aren't actually proper members of the band? Hmm. Not strictly true.
As much as the publicity machine on this group wares on with images painted from designer and former comic book illustrator, Jamie Hewlett, which aims to distort you from those that produce the music, remember that the reason it's so good is because of the people behind the impressive graphics. First up, we've got Damon Albarn - those that thought he was just a contributor on the first two single releases will find that he's indeed the lead singer for all of their material (apart from 'Rock The House', which features rhymes from Del Tha Funkee Homosapien). Also, there's Dan The Automator - revered hip-hop maestro and talented producer that worked with Primal Scream on 'Xtrmtr'.
Damon brings along melodica playing (to be heard on early Blur b-sides) and his sweet and soft vocals on each of the varied tunes on offer - of which there are sixteen (including a secret track, consisting of a remix of 'Clint Eastwood', the original verson also appearing on this collection of slick and ear-pleasing grooves). Dan brings his anticipated needle-scratching sound effects, with an added concoction of heavy percussion and reverberating bass. However, the thing that keeps it eclectic and challenging for alternative chart music is the inclusion of a vast array of styles - 'Latin Simone' featuring the music of its name, and openers 'Re-hash' and '5/4' sporting jumpy acoustic guitar that strums up and down strong melodies and beats.
To pick out highlights is a very personal part of owning this record: it's really up to the listener more than ever on this one. It's quite possible to see a group of mates who each went out and bought the album all loving different tracks for different reasons - whether it be the distinctive raps, hooks or dynamics which separate the songs from each other and define them so well. Albarn is, vocally, at his best, and the question has already been raised as to what he may see as the future for his forefront band Blur, if the Gorillaz rise, as predicted, to steal the limelight from the other acts existing within the UK scene. Hopefully, he'll continue to see that it's not always safe to have all your eggs in one basket and endeavour onwards in his currently prolific and open-minded approach to his work.
There are elements which will make this sound similar to some of the more racy cuts of Beck's material and, as the same producer is at work, should this album interest you, Deltron 3030 are definitely worth looking up.
Whether they're marketed as cartoon characters, real people or leather-clad hamsters, it wouldn't really matter because the songs stand up for themselves. The benefits for Damon and co. from this project: a lower amount of press interviews, anonymity (to a certain extent) and the chance to try something new. For us: great tunes that'll be ground into our heads and our dancing shoes.
Artists in this article: Gorillaz
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