Gorillaz
Humanz
Parlophone
Itβs safe to say Gorillaz is one of the quirkiest and most enigmatic acts out there today. The virtual hip-hop band, after seven years, makes their comeback with Humanz, with help from an all-star lineup of collaborators.
In a word, Humanz is astronomical. From the aesthetic of the album promotion and design to the spacey synths, thereβs a certain tone that carries through the album that transports the listener to a cosmic space. Humanz is in-your-face, itβs ethereal, itβs playful and it perfectly encapsulates the character that is represented by the bandβs rather bizarre nature. This is effortlessly conveyed in the glitch-hoppy sonic landscape that encapsulates most if not all songs on the album. Shimmering synths, buzzy and twinkling leads, and plenty of pitch modulation are a common theme throughout Humanz, all of which do an excellent job at contributing to the soundscape that is uniquely Gorillaz. Tracks like βAscensionβ and βMomentzβ are punchy, fast-paced, and intense; especially with Vince Staples delivering an excellent flow on the former track. Humanz is a ride, and Gorillaz isnβt afraid to take you along the distance with them.
On the other hand, when the intensity and quirkiness is reined back a little bit and the vibe becomes a little more reserved, what is revealed is a sense of true musicality, groove, and swagger. Where βMomentzβ is a song that throws the listener in several different directions, songs like βStrobeliteβ, βAndromedaβ, and βSheβs My Collarβ allow for the listener to sit back and just enjoy the casual danceability that is brought to the table. Which is a good thing, because sometimes the intensity of the other tracks on Humanz can get overwhelming or tiring to listen to after itβs been repeated for a good number of tracks. Other tracks, such as βWe Got The Powerβ, establish a happy medium between the two.
However, it is in the more laid-back and groovy tracks where Humanz shines its brightest. Itβs the same kind of energy and exuberance thatβs shown in droves in the rest of the album, but in a different and more confident way. βStrobeliteβ is the track that exemplifies this the most. The shuffling beat mixed with the astral-sounding high-pitched synths, when combined with the synth leads and the masterful vocal delivery of Peven Everett β whose soulful voice cuts like a knife right through all of the glitchiness β is an excellent combination. Other tracks, such as βAndromedaβ, featuring βBroccoliβ star D.R.A.M., and βThe Apprenticeβ, the bonus track featuring vocals from Rag βnβ Bone Man, also accomplish this feat very well, albeit to a slightly lesser extent.
All in all, Humanz is a record that proves that Gorillaz are as strong as ever even after their absence from the music world. Itβs an assertive and groovy collection of songs that takes you on a journey through the world that Gorillaz have created with their artistry. Humanz is a little weird, but thatβs exactly what it aims to be β and it accomplishes this goal successfully, with enough assertiveness to pull you in every time you might think it doesnβt have you.
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: GORILLAZ – HUMANZ
Kysan Kwan