Gorillaz: Gloomy Party Tunes for the Apocalypse

Damon Albarn's animated musical project Gorillaz has released its fifth studio album, 'Humanz,' a collection of gloomy party anthems for apocalyptic times. The album features a diverse lineup of guest artists including Vince Staples, Danny Brown, Kelela, and Pusha T.

Since its inception, Gorillaz has followed a successful formula: returning every few years with an album packed with contemporary collaborators and a pervasive sense of impending doom. This approach has allowed the band to soundtrack various societal anxieties, from post-9/11 panic to economic downturns and political unrest.

Despite the promise of its impressive guest list, 'Humanz' often finds its featured artists struggling to make a distinct impact. Tracks like Vince Staples' 'Ascension' and Popcaan's 'Saturnz Barz' highlight how individual contributions can be subdued by the Gorillaz signature sound of heavy drums and gloomy synths.

However, some collaborations do find their footing. Danny Brown and Kelela's 'Submission' offers moments of wistfulness, while Peven Everett's contribution to 'Strobelite' is notably warm. The album's most powerful moments often occur when Albarn focuses on his machines, as heard in the melancholic 'Busted and Blue,' which feels like a Damon Albarn solo piece.

Ultimately, 'Humanz' reaffirms that beneath the masks and numerous cameos, Gorillaz remains a vehicle for Damon Albarn's explorations of societal passivity and dystopia. The album's cohesive sound, driven by Albarn's distinctive synth textures, creates a consistent, albeit somewhat repetitive, experience.