Audiovisual project, mini-series, album, whatever you want to call it, Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz has brought more clarity to his Song Machine project, which has been slowly unraveled over the course of this year. And what better way to bring it full circle than with the release of the appropriately titled “Strange Timez”, featuring the one and only Robert Smith of The Cure fame.
In 2020, we’ve seen the fictitious Noodle, 2D, Murdoc, and Russel travel across the world alongside the likes of slowthai, Schoolboy Q and Peter Hook, among others. But in this music video, they’ve now taken their antics off the face of the earth and into space to see Robert Smith… as the moon.
With the help of Humanz co-producer, Remi Kabaka Jr., listeners are treated to a danceable atmosphere with space travel and dystopia as the backdrop. Not to overshadow his guest, Albarn gives ample space to allow Smith and his ageless voice to drive home a simple but resonant chorus that works perfectly with what the Gorillaz founding father offers on his end. Smith sings in a forlorn voice, “Spinning around the world at night / Spin around in black and white / Spinning around until the Sun comes up / Strange times, to see the light.”
Alongside sharing this new track and the announcement of Song Machine: Season One – Strange Timez, the Gorillaz have also shared news of SONG MACHINE LIVE, a special live event happening on Dec. 12 and 13. This live digital event will feature Jamie Hewlett’s unique visuals and performances of songs from this multi-genre, always-expanding project.
Watch the video for “Strange Timez”, above and pre-order Song Machine: Season One – Strange Timez, set to be released in its entirety on October 23, here. Don’t forget to follow Gorillaz on Instagram and Facebook, as well.
