In an isolated Northeastern Indian Jungle, spirits and musicians play, spectres from the underworld dance and commune and the gods reveal truths that nobody bears to digest. Listening to Gorillaz’ new album “The Mountain” feels like being transported to a realm where death is celebrated as the next stop on an infinite train stretching across all borders of the ethereal plane.
Is death something worth celebrating? Do we know what happens when we kick up the dust for the last time? Hinduists believed that in death, one’s soul is reincarnated and returns to physicality. Damon Albarn, the co-founder and lead songwriter of Gorillaz, revealed in an interview that after losing his father, he was faced with grief and a desire to expand out of his comfort zone. In doing so, he found solace in the Indian subculture surrounding the afterlife.
“The Mountain” presents a very spiritual sound, with chimes, a ghastly echoing of a sitar and an infectious grasp on these melancholic but optimistic choruses that feel sporadic yet refined. Bouncing and bright, the backing of the album is very Bollywood-esque with upbeat rhythm and a fast tempo that is surrounded by the repeating of a choir’s echoing voices. Damon’s down-to-earth vocals showcase a familiar, relaxed vibe that transports listeners to tranquility.
A favorite on the album has to be “The Plastic Guru.” Symbolizing an alternative take on the century-old ‘snake-oil’ salesman trope who promises shortcuts to life, with a hidden, detrimental aspect that could have been prevented if you avoided the salesman entirely.
In general, the album is very unorthodox compared to other Gorillaz outings, which can feel unique on the first listen. However, in this attempt at branching out and making new types of music, the album can stumble a bit with a repetitive over-reliance on a more melancholic vibe. A few of the songs on the album have this issue; however, this is relatively nitpicky, as overall, the tracks are still very listenable and immersive.
The album’s persistence on spirituality and its mystic tone can be polarizing to some who just want another synth-pop album with features from different alternative artists. But after repeated listens, the tracks will definitely grow on you, with “Orange County” or “The Happy Dictator” being the most earworm and catchy pieces of music put out by Gorillaz in years.
Truly, this latest album represents not just a rebirth of tone but a refreshing take on a 25-year-old formula that began as an affront to the romanticization of celebrities in popular culture by having the music speak for itself. Gorillaz reinvents itself once more with “The Mountain,” and though it might take a while to get used to, when you do, it’s like magic.