Gorillaz – Demon Days

Grade: A+ | Genre: Hip Hop/Progressive Rock Summary: Demon Days, “side project” or not, takes risks and is able to present a work of incomparable brilliance. In this reviewer’s eyes, the pressure is definitely off the Gorillaz to produce an album capable of changing ones fortunes. Four years ago, you couldn’t escape the Gorillaz’ infectious hit, “Clint Eastwood,” from their self-titled debut. It was the slacker jam of Summer 2001, and you can still hear its meandering piano chords while Del tha Funkee Homosapien took you for a ride you’ve never before been on. Conceived as the first “virtual hip-hop group,” the quirky bunch of cartoon MC’s are back with their latest, Demon Days, and continue to push the limits of Hip Hop and Prog Rock. With the blended contributions of De La Soul, Shaun Ryder, Debbie Harry, Dennis Hopper, and Martina Topley-Bird, Demon Days spotlights the Gorillaz’ out-the-box thinking and genre blurring talents.

The Gorillaz’ debut was an unexpected worldwide hit for something originally deemed a “side project” by the brain trusts of illustrator Jamie Hewlett and Blur frontman Damon Albarn. They took a small seed and grew it into a vast landscape of sounds and b-boy beats that continue to resonate on Demon Days. With DJ Danger Mouse (responsible for the infamously effective Grey Album, a turn-table mixing of The Beatles’ The White Album and Jay Z’s The Black Album) now steering the ship, the Gorillaz’ formula is increasingly potent and a must have for music officionados.
Demon Days begins with a murky intro that has you questioning which direction they intend to take you. The “Last Living Souls” eases you into the album’s progressively increasing upbeat tempos and doesn’t let go of your curiosity. There are always contrasting sounds waiting around the corner and you are filled with beats and melodies that pull and twist music you think you’ve heard before.
“Kids With Guns” coats a socially disturbing commentary of youth violence with their trademark slacker beats heard throughout Demon Days. It’s not overpowering but yet very thought provoking.

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The “Clint Eastwood” of the album is the current single “Feel Good Inc.” which is also featured in an Apple iPod/iTunes commercial. The blending of disco and techno beats wrapped around De La Soul’s MC skillz keeps the party going. Just in time for the Summer, “Feel Good Inc.” is a jam you won’t be able to get out of your head and will probably hum in your sleep. Remember “Hey Ya” from Outkast?
The most surprising track is the William Shatner/Baz Lurhmann-like contribution of Dennis Hopper on “Fire Coming out of the Monkey’s Head.” It’s a strange but yet profound spoken word piece about tranquility disturbed by the forces unknown. Is it an observation of American greed or just a means of pointing out the impending doom that surrounds us in the shadows? Whatever it is, the Gorillaz are our self-appointed profits, and we can either listen seriously or shrug it off with a smirk.
Demon Days is a daring album that get’s better with each spin. I’ll admit that I wasn’t too impressed upon first listen, but after several sessions, I definitely began to hear why they have become such a huge success. Demon Days, “side project” or not, takes risks and is able to present a work of incomparable brilliance. It’s like an indie movie where the film-makers work to create a labor of love without the pressures of the major production studios. We can’t forget though, that pressure is actually on the Gorillaz, as well as Coldplay, with great expectations hinging on their respective releases. Click here for more details.
In this reviewer’s eyes, the pressure is definitely off the Gorillaz to produce an album capable of changing one’s fortunes. Be sure to pick this one up!