“Eight albums in, Gorillaz are still capable of producing a fresh, rich album that spans genres and moods, with so many different textures and sonic fabrics that they have cultivated a musical universe of their own.”
“Even though their eighth LP found this cartoon band decamping to California to work with producer Greg Kurstin, it’s hard not to speculate which benighted island the title of this record might refer to. As ever, much lore plays out in the band’s videos and Jamie Hewlett’s art. But it’s clear that a 2023 sense of unease powers this record, with Damon Albarn often in bittersweet mode, pondering how ”
“Your age will likely dictate the answer to the following question: is Damon Albarn that guy from Blur, or that guy from Gorillaz? In the UK and Europe, his role as the frontman of the Britpop titans is unquestioned: no surprise the upcoming reunion is concentrated around dates at Wembley Stadium in London and at festivals across the continent’s mainland. But elsewhere, an intriguing trend has eme”
“Stevie Nicks, Bad Bunny, and Beck are all on board, but there's less guest-list whiplash here than on any of the cartoon band's previous records”
“Cracker Island doesn't break new ground, but it's the most consistent Gorillaz album in a decade”
“Stevie Nicks, Thundercat, Tame Impala, and Bad Bunny guest on the latest album from Damon Albarn’s cartoon band, but despite the marquee names, the record feels frustratingly like Gorillaz as usual.”
