Gorillaz "The Fall" | Album Review

Story by Mitch McCann 

| Published Dec 28, 2010

Tenure as a modern artist is severely undervalued. Very few established multiplatinum-selling musicians are still around cranking out innovative artistic leaps that are both respectable and dramatic. The Gorillaz, as Guinness World Records’ “Most Successful Virtual Band”, are emblazoned with the responsibility of manufacturing tunes that surpass the average listening experience, and they continue to exceed expectations.

Damon Albarn, mastermind of the Gorillaz multiverse, composed the band’s newest release The Fall entirely on his Apple iPad during the American leg of the latest Gorillaz tour. Releasing it free for download exclusively to fan club members Christmas day.

The Fall, while not overtly striking in its presentation, uses its fully-functional approach and depth to atone for the sins[*] of previous release Plastic Beach and attests to the vision and exceptional drive of the Gorillaz line-up (as well as that of an iPad.)

Opening single “Phoner to Arizona” sets up what is to be the most chilled out, yet still funky, release to date. Other tracks such as “The Joplin Spider”, an incredible ballad of creation and destruction, part with their vintage sound instead opting for a Sci-Fi meets Hitchcock feel. The album’s song titles, while seemingly awkward or ambiguous are revealed to be individual punchlines of much larger sentiment built by Albarn and company (along with his pricey tablet.)

While most artists' sound follows a winding road, with an occasional jump or acoustic EP when the genre grows tedious - the Gorillaz sound forks, parting ways with predecessor Plastic Beach, yet still stylistically reverent with former releases.

Few performers rival the all-encompassing world of the Gorillaz, and Albarn’s poise and creativity only further establish them as a musical force to be reckoned with. These viral fiends produce fine tunes year-round and remain atop a fledgling industry using only their raw talent and wit.

* - Seven Deadly Gorillaz Albums

Lust - Gorillaz
Envy - The G-sides, Laika Comes Home
Wrath - Tomorrow Comes Today
Greed - Demon Days
Pride & Gluttony - Plastic Beach
Sloth - The Fall