The “virtual band” known as Gorillaz normally take their sweet time between records. This summer, however, they’ve unleashed The Now Now, the follow-up to 2017’s Humanz. Featuring a more stripped-down sound and an unusually small number of collaborators, it’s an extremely refreshing change of pace from the murkiness of last year’s album.
From the very first moment of opening track “Humility,” it’s evident that this is a total 180 from the bleak and unfocused Humanz. Ushering in a more hopeful and summer pop vibe, Damon Albarn’s voice floats over an inescapably catchy beat that digs right into your bones and induces a powerful urge to dance (and it features an incredible guest spot by legendary guitarist George Benson no less). Disco, hip-hop, rock all come together in decidedly Gorillaz fashion, making a strong opening statement in the first few tracks.
As the album progresses, the overall sound meanders somewhere between the near-perfection of Demon Days and the futuristic melancholy of Plastic Beach. The minimalist approach (at least compared with the lush production of the aforementioned records) puts band leader Damon Albarn’s voice front and center, whereas with Humanz he didn’t even appear on the first five tracks or so. Albarn warbles in and out of delicious backing instrumentals, with aquatic synths bubbling over amorphous, liquid bass and upbeat drums, with elliptical guitar giving everything a space-age sound.
If Humanz is a rainy day spent staring out your window, The Now Now is cruising down the freeway on a sunny afternoon. It seems like Albarn worked through some personal issues with this album to try and make something uplifting. In this reviewer’s opinion, nowhere is this more evident than the absolute standout track “Idaho.” As close to country as I’ve ever heard Gorillaz get, it’s uplifting, melodic, and soothing, like a balmy breeze over a cornfield (as someone who lives across the street from a cornfield, I appreciate this).
As Gorillaz records go, it may not be the most innovative or groundbreaking, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t the most fun effort they’ve put out in years. It’s sorely needed as well; few things make the heat of a Midwestern summer more bearable, but this music, pumping loudly at backyard parties, beach get-togethers, or dance-floor shenanigans, definitely helps.
