Familiar Feel Good Synth-Pop Blues With GORILLAZ And Their 8th Album ‘CRACKER ISLAND ‘

Standout albums

24 February 2023

Band: GORILLAZ
New album CRACKER ISLAND
Release: 24 February 2023. Order info here.

It’s the fictional act’s, led by human voice and musical centipede Damon Albarn,
eighth studio album with 10 tracks on it and another stellar line-up of collaborators, including Thundercat, Tame Impala, Bad Bunny, Stevie Nicks, Adeleye Omotayo, Bootie
Brown and Beck. It’s produced by Gorillaz, Remi Kabaka jr. and eight-time Grammy
Award-winning producer/multi-instrumentalist/songwriter extraordinaire
Greg Kurstin.

NME says: “The band’s first post-pandemic record eschews industry-busting rollouts or a concept-heavy narrative, instead showing their influence on pop’s present and future. While ‘Cracker Island’ doesn’t exactly ape a sound that’s proving already-popular, it does a fine job
of reminding everyone where much of the limitless thinking came from. Gorillaz take snapshots of a diverse music scene – from psych-fused pop to reggaeton – and put a unique spin on it. There’s no broad concept or industry-busting roll-out, just 10 pristine, richly satisfying tracks;
no more, no less.” Score: 4/5.

TUTV: Vocally, despite contributions of a star line up it’s Albarn‘s lazy voice that’s prominent on almost every song, as we know it. 10 familiar, mostly bluesy, synth-pop tunes except for the upbeat title track and New Gold, is what we get. Yes, smooth mid-tempo grooves dominate the record, even more than on previous LPs. But ALL grooves have a feel-good, mesmeric and slow hip-shaking vibe, so before you notice it, the relaxing party is over and you reach for the repeat button (which I did, anyway) for an encore and another happy-go-lucky ride. Music for drowsy moments on your favorite, imaginary island.

KEY SINGLES: Cracker Island / Skinny Ape / Silent Running

– CRACKER ISLAND –