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Music’s favourite cartoon band is back with a new album, featuring collaborations with the likes of Stevie Nicks, Bad Bunny and Tame Impala.
British virtual band Gorillaz has released their eighth studio album Cracker Island, drawing plaudits for its fresh pulse and exploration of sonic territory.
Tormenta, made in collaboration with Bad Bunny, was the first completed track for the album, back in 2021.
British-Icelandic musician Damon Albarn continues as the permanent musical contributor for the album, joined by American record producer and multi-instrumentalist Greg Kurstin.
The 10-track 37-minute-long album was released last Friday (February 24), with Cracker Island, New Gold, Baby Queen, Skinny Ape and Silent Running being released as singles in the months leading up to the album launch.
As expected from Gorillaz at this point, the new album has a helping of hip hop, a dab of dub and plenty of neo-psychedelic pop.
Although matching their previous Plastic Beach album is next to impossible, they do make a bid, especially with their elite guest list, including names like Nicks, Tame Impala and Bad Bunny.
Of course, every new Gorillaz album comes with its own lore and beautiful videos, and this is no exception, as the band bring their classic characters to 3D life integrating live action amongst the animation.
While it is difficult to pin down a theme for the album beyond a general sense of apocalyptic anxiety, it explores themes of cultism, consumerism, artificial intelligence and identity.
Cracker Island is now available on all major streaming platforms.
