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In 2005, a track took the world by storm as Gorillaz released “Feel Good Inc.,” a song with a funky bass line and a unique sound accompanied by velvet-like vocals. Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, the creators of the band, came together to produce one of the world’s most popular animated bands known for their style of music and their famous collaborations with some of the most well-known artists today.
With albums such as Demon Dayz, Humanz, and Gorillaz, this virtual band makes bold impressions with every song they release. Recently, Gorillaz’s newest project, Song Machine, is on the rise as the releases have been at random, surprising their fans. Although there are many songs that are expected to be released in the future, Song Machine contains the tracks, “Momentary Bliss,” “Desolé,” “Aries,” “How Far” and “Friday 13th.”
Episode 1: Gorillaz And Punk-Rock
“Momentary Bliss” is a track featuring two artists with a reputation for unique style and boldness. Slowthai, or Tyron Kaymone Frampton, is a British-based rapper best known for his songs “T n Biscuits” and “Doorman.” His rap verses contain intense and powerful lyrics that are delivered in a punk-rap genre. As the rap vocalist on the track, Slowthai brings his raw rap verses to bring a new meaning to the term “momentary bliss.”
Additionally, the vocalist duo, Slaves, brings more to the table in a charming chorus along with Slowthai’s verses. They are well known for their most popular albums, Are You Satisfied? and Acts Of Fear And Love. As a punk-rock duo, the featured artists fit well together and into the funky instrumentals of the band. Their touch of garage punk is evident within the song. Likewise, the voices of Slaves effortlessly tuned well to Damon Albarn’s vocals as 2D, the virtual lead vocalist of Gorillaz.
As the beginning of the Song Machine collection, feedback on both the song and the released music video featuring the artists themselves alongside the animated band members was positive. Fans were excited for Gorillaz’s comeback, and the first track left high expectations for the songs to come. In particular, this video had been the first time for the virtual band members to be animated alongside the real artists, whilst interacting and playing instruments.
Furthermore, the band members of Gorillaz have shown growth since their beginning in 1998. As the group continued to release music, fans were able to see all four members — 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs — grow and age over time in a journey through the band’s media. For this reason, it is not surprising that many were excited to see the members again.
Episode 2: A Trilingual Track
“Desolé” was released nearly a month after “Momentary Bliss,” delivering the heavenly duet of Damon Albarn and Fatoumata Diawara’s vocals. Fatoumata Diawara is a multiple Grammy nominated singer-songwriter best known for her tracks “Manitoumani” and “Sowa.” The duo had collaborated in the past and came together again to produce “Desolé.” This track combines English, French, and Bambara, which is the national language of Mali.
In this second episode, Gorillaz provides their own twist on bossa nova music accompanied by the passionate and flawless delivery of melancholy lyrics by both vocalists. “Desolé,” meaning ‘sorry’ in french, is the main phrase repeated throughout the song, while subsequently expressing regretful feelings.
After the release of the song and the video, fans have created varied theories on the true meaning behind the lyrics and the animation. The theories have narrowed down to the theory of the song as a confessional of 2D’s one-sided love for Fatoumata or the theory that the members had gotten themselves involved in a drug smuggling crime, causing their departure away from land. Because these theories have yet to be clarified, fans are still questioning the track.
Episode 3: The Beauty of Synthesizer
A month after the release of “Desolé,” “Aries” was released on April 9, 2020. While this third episode of Song Machine heavily emphasizes Damon Albarn’s vocals, the featured artists, Peter Hook and Georgia, complete the pop tune in its production. Peter Hook is an artist and a co-founder of the band, New Order, formerly known as Joy Division. Although he split with the band in 2007, his feature on “Aries” reincarnates his much-loved talents as a bassist, along with his backup vocals in the chorus.
Georgia, the second featured artist, provided percussion for the track. Georgia is a British singer-songwriter, producer, and drummer known for her breakthrough single, “Started Out.” In collaboration with Hook’s bass line, Georgia’s addictive beat and the featured synthesizer fabricated the perfect synth-pop tune. Fans’ comments flooded the “Aries” video with positivity. One comment stated:
“The stutters in the beat + some of the synths gives me Blue Monday vibes.”
– Andy Mac n Cheese
A Lone Track
Although the song was not given its own individual episode in Song Machine, “How Far?” was released in honor of one of the featured artists, Tony Allen, who passed away on April 30, 2020. Tony Allen was a Nigerian songwriter, composer, and drummer, loved for his talents in the bands, The Good, The Bad & The Queen and Africanism All Stars. Alongside the featured rap verses from Skepta, this touching tribute to Tony Allen displays his skills as a drummer and opens with an endearing clip of his laugh.
On the other hand, Skepta is another British-based artist as an MC, rapper, songwriter, and producer, who similarly produces raw and insightful lyrics like Slowthai. His songs, such as “No Sleep” and “Energy (Stay Far Away),” have gained popularity for his style of rap. Despite his popularity, lyrics such as “Just know I love the action, but I move in silence,” suggest that he wants to maintain an underground profile.
Altogether, the lyrics project an idea of the internal conflict created from fame. Skepta’s passion is unveiled in a series of verses whilst exposing the raw talents of the late Tony Allen in this hit. Although the song may have caused mixed reactions, it is unarguable that this heartfelt tribute carries Tony Allen’s memory on endlessly.
Episode 4: A Crowd Of Mixed Emotions
Lastly, the most recent episode of Song Machine left listeners with “Friday 13th,” a collaboration with French-British rapper Octavian. Octavian is yet another British rapper and singer-songwriter, who is known in his collaborations with Diplo and Mura Masa and for his new album, Endorphins. From the previews of the video, “Friday 13th” was held to high expectations for its title and sneak peeks of both the animation and the instrumental.
When the video for “Friday 13th” was first released, the comments showed the initial reaction during the premiere. The majority were unimpressed and rather disappointed as they listened to the song for the first time. Over time, however, commenters began to report a gradual liking to the tune after listening to it multiple times. According to the repetition in the comments for the visual, the song “grows on you.” Unfortunately, it is still safe to say that this track may not be a fan favorite.
Octavian is the main vocalist for “Friday 13th” for lyrics that describe his experience of endless nights whilst intoxicated. Rolling Stone states:
“Octavian alternates between a steady flow and a sing-song drawl as he waxes about endless nights in his raspy lilt.”
– Jon Blistein
Along with visuals of a speeding highway and flashing lights, Octavian’s smooth vocals wash over a combination of subtle percussion, synthesizer, and guitar.
Anticipation For A New Episode
As Gorillaz continues to tease their listeners with previews and sneak peeks of their next episode, anticipation rises to see what the band will create next. Unlike other albums, the Song Machine collection has displayed a different genre or style in every episode, leaving their fans with little to no idea for what will be next. With five songs to impress so far, the audience continues to sit on the edge of their seats for Gorillaz’s next tune.