Gorillaz // Plastic Beach
Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
On the horizon, a ghost ship rises from the waters ready to invade and conquer distant shores once more, manned by the original avatar, Murdoc Nicholls and his band of 2D demons. Bound and gagged and tending the decks with Gorillaz are a troupe of artists recruited to be part of this mind blowing new album - and these collaborations are simply inspired. The roll call of artists is astounding, from Mark E Smith, to Mick Jones and Paul Simonon of The Clash, De La Soul, to Gruff Rhys and Snoop Dogg acting like a ringmaster on the first vocal track of this circus of an album. When these artists are coupled with original beats and 80s sleazy electro vibes - given their renaissance by artists like Hot Chip and Neon Neon - it’s dangerous, but brilliant. When Bobby Womack unleashes his weathered but breathtaking vocals halfway through lead single, ‘Stylo’, you are aware of the heightened level of maturity from the band that’s often served as everyone’s novelty toy, with the same cheeky slap in the face you love 'em for. In Albarn’s words, ‘Electric is the Look’.
10/10 Emma Roberts
