With a band like Gorillaz, expectations are often outdone, always in the best possible way. The band is made up of members that are both real (human) and fictional (animated), with their musical releases and live performances often accompanied by captivating video animations. Their style can be attributed to countless genres, like alternative rock, electronic, funk, trip hop... But their sound is unmistakable and has cemented their cult status as one of the bands that has influenced pop culture in the 21st century.
Last week, they released the second 'epsiode' of their new project Song Machine, a bilingual, reflective-but-upbeat, funky track featuring Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara called Désolé:
Gorillaz - Désolé ft. Fatoumata Diawara (Episode Two)
GorillazThat signature Gorillaz sound returns, with clips of conversation (Machine Bitez) from some of the fictional characters such as 2D and Murdoc bookending the song on the single release. The visuals, as always, are expertly provided by Jamie Hewlett, showing the animated characters in real-life settings. For Désolé, Gorillaz are hanging out on a boat on Lake Como...
The first Song Machine release was an exercise in punk rock, a collaboration with rapper-of-the-moment Slowthai and duo Slaves, with more funny Machine Bitez before and after the track Momentary Bliss:
Gorillaz - Momentary Bliss ft. slowthai & Slaves (Episode One)
GorillazThese two terrific tracks signal the start of the larger Song Machine project which will progressivly reveal new music over the course of the next few months. If these first two episodes are anything to go by, we have a lot to look forward to, especially considering the calibre of features Gorillaz has seen in the past (Snoop Dogg, De La Soul, Neneh Cherry, The Clash, Lou Reed)...
