In addition to releasing music, Gorillaz is also known for releasing dazzlingly-animated music videos, interviews, and cartoons.
Though membership remains fluid, the four signature characters are Stuart “2-D” Pot, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs. One of the world’s most popular virtual bands, Gorillaz is composed of a cast of characters that are not corporeal artists, but rather animated individuals. Thanks to the diversity of featured artists on any given Gorillaz discography, the band boasts a sonic palette that is constantly in flux, providing a rare opportunity to make each song unique, even irreplaceable.īritish sensation Gorillaz was formed in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and illustrator Jamie Hewlett. “Song Machine” - the group’s latest project - is no exception.ĭespite their technically fascinating composition, what truly makes Gorillaz stand out is their ability to leverage technical creativity as a vehicle for dynamic sound. Their endearingly eclectic discography, from sensational single “Feel Good Inc.” (2005) to the sonically arresting album “Humanz” (2017) proves time and time again Gorillaz does not exist to emulate, nor do they create sound to please. Gorillaz’s artistic luminescence is bright enough to convince you they are the new newness, the only assured newness in a modern musical scene that seems to be unsure of what it wants to be. The band’s unapologetically raw sound and uncompromisingly vulnerable lyrics are diamonds in a sea of dust. Unlike its contemporaries, Gorillaz extends an artistic limb that is older than its younger counterparts yet retains an enigmatic freshness. It is a strange hand, no doubt, but a sure one.
Critics bemoan a culture that celebrates commercial success over creative fulfillment.įrom the fog of today’s music emerges a welcome hand. Some call its sonic output plastic, others blame plastic production for housing anything but genuine intention. It is easy to grow cynical of the tireless machine that is the contemporary music industry. Is it really possible to do anything new in music anymore?