“Humility” is the main attraction from ‘The Now Now,’ the sixth studio album from Gorillaz, but instrumental “Lake Zurich” shines bright as well.

Raise your hand if you expected a new Gorillaz album this soon? I certainly thought we’d be in for a longer wait following the arrival of the 2017 Grammy-nominated Humanz.  The wait is short-lived as The Now Now arrives June 29, 2018.  Sigh, what a way to be “Cool for the Summer”.  In advance of The Now Now, Damon Albarn released two promo singles a month beforehand: “Humility” featuring George Benson, and “Lake Zurich.”

Clearly, “Humility” is the ‘high-powered’ promo single for The Now Now.  I mean George Benson is featured – hello! But, the contrasting “Lake Zurich” is equally worthwhile.  From the jump, the four-minute-plus record thrives off its sleek, electro-tinged, pop-soul sound. We’ll stick with the alternative label for lack of sufficient vocabulary.  The sound is key given the fact that “Lake Zurich” is primarily instrumental.  There’s no doubt that the music cooks.  The groove is a catalyst for foot tapping and/or head nodding.  The synths are decadent.  As jazz musicians like to say, it’s ‘in the pocket.’

Final Thoughts 

Objections? There are no notable objections regarding “Lake Zurich.” Maybe it runs long, but that’s a total nitpick, particularly given how sweet the music is.  All in all, Gorillaz and Damon Albarn seems to be onto something with The Now Now as of yet.

Gorillaz • The Now Now • Parlophone / Warner Bros. • Release: 6.29.18

Photo Credit: Parlophone / Warner Bros.