After a six year hiatus, the cartoon collaboration of Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewllet has been resurrected for a fifth album.
After many months of teasing fans, Hewllet – the animated group’s visual artist – confirmed a return was on the cards via his Instagram account.
According to Revolt, he wrote in a comment only viewable by phone: “Yes. Gorillaz Returns.”
He also posted two new pictures of Murdoc the bassist and Noodle the guitarist which have gotten fans very excited for the next edition of acclaimed project.
The last Gorillaz album, The Fall, was released in 2011 — under the banner of the band’s third phase: Escape to Plastic Beach.
Back in 2012, amidst rumours of a falling out between Albarn and Hewllett, it was thought the last of band had been seen.
The band’s animator Jamie Hewlett claimed that “2016 is going to be Gorillaz all year.” He also commented that Albarn is a known prolific worker and said, “I don’t think it will be long!”
Since, Hewlett has backtracked on his comments, suggesting that the new album may take longer than expected. In an Instagram post by a fan who met Jamie, it was claimed that the new album is now slated for a 2017 release date, with Hewlett saying the album is “really fuckin special” but “can’t be rushed”.
Albarn gave a further update when speaking to BBC 6 Music in July and all confirmed a release date of 2017. “Later in the year we’ll be starting to get the whole Gorillaz thing together,” he said. Albarn also continued to say, “I’m loving it and it’s getting there. It should be ready fairly soon.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1m8kY-GGrI
On September 20, Gorillaz’ social media accounts began updating with their first bit of activity in months. The updates celebrated each phase of the group’s history, before stopping short just before Phase 4 – the upcoming cycle. In October, the group began posting brand new content, with a flurry of Twitter and Instagram activity, resulting in ‘The Book Of Noodle’ which appears to be detailing the going-ons for the fictional characters. Since, they’ve released accompanying books for each character via social media, but no official word on a release date
A meeting with a fan in February 2017 seemingly confirmed that the album was finished and that tour prep is under way. Albarn’s comments seem to match up with other posts from the rehearsal space
DAMON FUCKING ALBARN pic.twitter.com/z4ZQ5z0asA
— Jack (@_JackWinstanley) February 22, 2017
he says they've just finished the album and they're rehearsing right now!! 🙂
— Jack (@_JackWinstanley) February 23, 2017
On March 18, an alleged tracklist was leaked online – which showed guest appearances form Pusha T, Grace Jones, Rag’N’Bone Man, Savages’ Jehnny Beth, Danny Brown – alongside already discussed names like De La Soul and Vince Staples. See the full list below, in alphabetical order
Andromeda (Feat. D.R.A.M.)
Ascension (Feat. Vince Staples)
Busted And Blue
Carnival (Feat. Anthony Hamilton)
Charger (Feat. Grace Jones)
Circle Of Friendz (Feat. Brandon Markell Holmes)
Halfway To The Halfway House (Feat. Peven Everett)
Hallelujah Money (Feat. Benjamin Clementine)
Interlude: Elevator Going Up
Interlude: New World
Interlude: Penthouse
Interlude: Talk Radio
Interlude: The Elephant
Interlude: The Non-conformist Oath
Intro: I Switched My Robot Off
Let Me Out (Feat. Mavis Staples & Pusha T)
Momentz (Feat. De La Soul)
Out Of Body (Feat. Kilo Kish, Zebra Katz & Imani Voshana)
Saturnz Barz (Feat. Popcaan)
Sex Murder Party (Feat. Jamie Principle & Zebra Katz)
She’s My Collar (Feat. Kali Uchis)
Strobelite (Feat. Peven Everett)
Submission (Feat. Danny Brown & Kelela)
The Apprentice (Feat. Rag’n’Bone Man, Zebra Katz & Ray BLK)
Ticker Tape (Feat. Carly Simon & Kali Uchis)
We Got The Power (Feat. Jehnny Beth)
Download Gorillaz – Phase 4 (zip download)