Gorillaz Tease “Special” New Album, Push Release Date Back to 2017
Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Music News GorillazDamon Albarn, the lead singer of the influential British virtual band Gorillaz, has reportedly been working in the studio since last year on the follow-up to the group’s 2010 experimental album, The Fall. Despite tentative announcements that the album would be released later in 2016, it seems that fans will now have to wait until next year for the still-untitled LP’s release, according to Gorillaz collaborator Jamie Hewlett.
Hewlett provided the update to Instagram fan page @Gorillaz.NorthAmerica:
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While it’s disappointing that the album’s slated release date is getting pushed back further, it’s exciting that Albarn and Hewlett seem to be pouring extra effort into the forthcoming LP, perhaps as recompense for the unorthodox nature of The Fall’s recording, which was done almost exclusively on Albarn’s iPad and hurriedly completed while on the road. A delayed release also suggests further collaborations and a more immersive visual experience, which Gorillaz are known for, particularly on prior releases like Demon Days and Plastic Beach.
The forthcoming studio album will be the fifth from the avant-garde group, and is projected to feature some exciting collaborations, including pioneer composer Jean Michel-Jarre, English songwriter Liam Bailey and and Chicago rapper Vic Mensa. ”[The album is] gonna be all that and more,” Hewlett promises in the post. “Can’t be rushed. 2017, yo. Fuck. So, guys, that Gorilla Fund, we got time. Go shop, take vacation, that shit aint happening this year.”