Gorillaz have finally released their long-awaited album Cracker Island on Friday, February 24.
The cartoon British band, created by Damon Albarn, have been dropping singles from their new
album, Cracker Island, since June 22, 2022.
Cracker Island is jam-packed with features including Thundercat, Tame Impala and Beck. This
album tells the story of the band as they search for a ‘new world’.
The album starts off strong with the title track, Cracker Island, which features the American bassist
Thundercat. It was first released in June 2022 and the lyrics tell the story of the band discovering
this new world called Cracker Island.
The lyrics, which are searching for a paradise that has yet to happen, reflect what was happening in
the world at the time of recording with the COVID-19 pandemic. Thundercat’s signature thumping
bass gives the title track a groovy feel amongst the dark lyrics.
Gorillaz are known for not sticking to one genre, and this album is no different. The Tired
Influencer, Baby Queen and Silent Running (feat. Adeleye Omotayo) all have a sleepy, dreamy feel,
contrasting to the more upbeat and alt-rock songs on the album such as Oil (feat. Stevie Nicks).
Fans were delighted to see a Tame Impala and Gorillaz crossover with their song New Gold (also
feat. Bootie Brown). Instantly you can hear Tame Impala’s signature vocals and Bootie Brown’s
amazing contrasting flow complemented by Gorillaz alt-pop funk beats.
The album closes with Possession Island (feat. Beck). The slow, sleepy vocals accompanied by a
melancholy piano track and strings are a huge contrast to the opening track. It is fitting for the
narrative of the album; it is telling a story, and this signifies the end of the story and the album. It
closes out with a strong instrumental which helps break up the song.
Overall, if you are here for the Gorillaz that you know and love, this album won’t disappoint.
No tour has been announced yet for this album as the band toured last year, but Gorillaz will be
playing both weekends at Coachella this year, on April 14 and April 21.
Feature image credit: gorillaz.com
First year student journalist studying Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Journalism Studies.
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