[usr 3]

Three weeks in advance of the release of the highly-anticipated LP ‘The Now Now,’ Gorillaz drops a third single, “Sorcererz.”

“Everybody cool down / Everybody see yourself / Everybody on time… / Everybody hold on to your inner visions.” It’s still incredibly shocking that the wait for a new Gorillaz album is incredibly short-lived.  The new LP, entitled The Now Now, arrives June 29, 2018.  Upon announcing the arrival of The Now Now, Damon Albarn released two promo singles a month beforehand: “Humility” featuring George Benson and the mostly-instrumental “Lake Zurich”. Three weeks in advance of the album’s release, he drops the third single, “Sorcererz.”

Lyrically, “Sorcererz” is quite limited.  Aforementioned are excerpts from the chorus, which is varied slightly throughout.  The ‘verse,’ performed by 2-D (Albarn), is incredibly short and occurs twice during the song, separated by the chorus.  By the end, 2D sings about “inner vision” about a bajillion times – okay exaggerating, but it’s a lot.  The music supporting Albarn is busy, characterized by its driving, percussive, and rhythmic nature.  The backdrop is definitely compelling, with Albarn painting it his signature low-key vocal strokes.

Final Thoughts 

Like some of Gorillaz more experimental songs, “Sorcererz” feels amorphous.  There’s some form mind you, but with so many layers and busy ideas, form is secondary at best.  Naturally, that causes this record to feel like one-big, undefined piece. Think of it as one-big, run-on sentence.  The thing is, “Sorcerez” isn’t bad – it’s actually interesting – but there’s a lot to sort out with little to help you sort it out.

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

Photo Credit: Parlophone / Warner Bros.