By Elianna Peñaloza, MWN
Last year, we were able to see some previews of ‘Cracker Island,’ the new Gorillaz album: the homonymous song created together with Thundercat, and “New Gold,” together with Tame Impala and Bootie Brown. We also learned that there will be a surprise for reggaeton thanks to a collaboration with Bad Bunny.
Well, ‘Cracker Island’ has arrived, reflecting a new chapter in the band’s career and demonstrating that, despite the changes in the way music is created and consumed, being faithful to chaos has meant that – after so many years – it continues to hold firm within the music industry.
Metro recently talked to 2D, Noodle, Russel and Murdoc about their new work, experiences and everything around ‘Cracker Island.’
What’s different about ‘Cracker Island,’ compared to ‘Song Machine’, ‘Season One’ and ‘The Now Now’?
2D: The songs. You have to have different songs all the time unless it’s one of those greatest hits albums that you sell in the garage next to some chips and newspapers. Also, on the previous albums I almost didn’t get eaten by a demon.
After a journey on a pirate ship, what experiences did you have that impacted you musically?
Noodle: Art comes from the chaos of existence and no existence is more chaotic than being in Gorillaz.
‘Cracker Island’ has 10 songs. What do you think is the overall atmosphere of the album?
Russel: People hear things differently. The brain is like an antenna that picks up the signals you want to receive. I think ‘Cracker Island’ feels like being lost between two worlds, like the static between stations on an old TV, but you know, there’s also hope. Because not knowing can be a good place to be. It keeps you open and ready for something new.
One of the challenges today is to create real music beyond the mainstream. How did you get this album to break boundaries?
2D: I don’t know about breaking boundaries, but Murdoc broke some records, like the tallest levitating cult leader and he also made the world’s most disgusting perfume. His obelisk was also the tallest in Silver Lake until the wind blew it away.
What message do you want to spread with ‘Cracker Island’?
Russel: There really isn’t a message. I guess the way I see it is, if you want to find a better world, stop looking for it and start building it yourself.
