In an interview shortly after the release of the hugely successful second Gorillaz album ‘Demon Days’, founder and chief musical contributor Damon Albarn proclaimed: “It’s quite a hip-hop thing to do, isn’t it? To retire and come back.”
He was, of course, suggesting that Gorillaz may return at some unknown point in the future, but also that the cartoon group were to disband for some time. Following the reception of ‘Demon Days’, both critically and commercially, there seemed little point for them to continue.
With Gorillaz, Albarn and co-founder Jamie Hewlett had previously stated that they wanted to create something that could work in the mainstream, but would give them the freedom to be experimental. It seemed that they had done what they had apparently set out to achieve.
Now, after five years and several other musical ventures, including a brief reunion with his old band Blur, Albarn returns to Gorillaz for third album ‘Plastic Beach’. And it is a very hip-hop return indeed. As well as being a group based on a concept, Gorillaz is primarily a hip-hop project. Albeit a project with various other styles being thrown into the mix.
The rap element of ‘Plastic Beach’ is much more prominent than on the previous two albums and sees the virtual band collaborate with even more rap superstars than before. Snoop Dogg, Mos Def and De La Soul (again), to name a few. In addition to this, the album has a very Old School feel to it, sometimes similar to what the Chemical Brothers have done in the past (check out ‘Glitter Freeze’, which features The Fall’s Mark E. Smith).
As before, there are a few exceptions that stand out from the main theme of the album. ‘Empire Ants’, for instance, starts off sounding almost like something that Albarn might have done with his other, more three-dimensional band. There are a lot of astonishing contributions here, including Lou Reed, soul singer Bobby Womack and Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals. But it is Albarn himself who provides the biggest surprise by supplying more of his own vocals than on previous Gorillaz releases.
Following on from the weird, experimental pop of their debut and the pure, unadulterated genius of ‘Demon Days’, Gorillaz have produced another album that exceeds all expectations. Albarn and co have, once again, chosen to alter the direction of the music, while still retaining the quality of the songs. The only criticism here is that the album somehow lacks a few of the surprises that ‘Demon Days’ had in spades. As previously mentioned, this is a hip-hop album. But with the chilled-out surf rock sound that exists in places, you could probably enjoy ‘Plastic Beach’ whilst relaxing by the sea with a cold drink.
Who knows where Gorillaz will go next? Damon Albarn is not a man who is content with sticking to a familiar formula. But after three albums that have continued to offer a fresh sound, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that this imaginary band could repeat their success in the future. Whatever happens, the next few months are sure to provide another good year for Gorillaz and, if Albarn keeps his promise about the big shows this summer, then we may all get to enjoy it.
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Now, after five years and several other musical ventures, including a brief reunion with his old band Blur, Albarn returns to Gorillaz for third album ‘Plastic Beach’. And it is a very hip-hop return indeed. As well as being a group based on a concept, Gorillaz is primarily a hip-hop project. Albeit a project with various other styles being thrown into the mix. 
