I'm not sure if Gorillaz is technically a band or if its just a multi-media musical project from Damon Albarn, but regardless, there's a new album from the cartoon characters coming next year and it features a boatload of real, actual musicians as guests. One of those guests are the brothers Mael, aka Sparks, and they provide some background vocals on the lead single, "The Happy Dictator." As is often the case with a Gorillaz track, this is a bit of a Synth-Pop spectacle that really reaches for towering heights and does a fine job of making the grandiosity come together for something special. There's a bubbly rhythm and elevated choruses that wouldn't seem out of place in a elaborate Broadway musical, but while that may seem a bit corny, this one still hits with the flash and appeal that's made a lot of Albarn's music so everlasting. It's cheeky and overloaded in satire, but still has a panache and jubilant appeal that feels cinematic in scope. Gorillaz have always lived beyond the realms of reality and "The Happy Dictator" doesn't confine them to anything you'd expect from any other ordinary band. Gorillaz continue to live in a world all their own and we're still lucky to be invited to follow along on the journey.
The Mountain is out March 20.
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