An artistic project combining of such diverse talents as the singer from Blur, a graphic designer and Dan the Automator, Gorillaz proves to be a fresh and inventive musical patchwork.
Chez Gorillaz, the visual is as significant as the music, its members hiding behind comic strip characters as testified by the CD liner notes and web site.
At the musical level, the group leaves the field free to their creativity, not hesitating to mix genres. If the framework of their style rests on a simple acoustic guitar and a pleasing rhythm as on "Re-Hash" and "5/4", the group then injects ingredients like dub, trip-hop, hip-hop, punk, psychedelic and even some Latin.
The single "Clint Eastwood", between melodious ease and hip-hop, is the perfect example. "Man Research", "Sound Check" and "Double Bass" display a piercing mid-tempo. "Rock The House" is reminiscent of Jazzmatajazz while "19-2000" is strange and rousing. "Latin Simone" which benefits from the presence of Ibrahim Ferrer of Buena Vista Social Club fame, is surely one of the most bewitching pieces. The album concludes with the dub "Dracula" and "Left Hand Suzuki Method" and its saturated low bass.
As an aside project, Gorillaz is a good surprise.
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