The Gorillaz celebrates the arrival of summer with two new tracks, "Humility" and "Lake Zurich," from the band's upcoming new album, The Now Now.
On Thursday, May 31, the British virtual band also dropped a music video for "Humility," which stars one-half of Tenacious D and comedian Jack Black, and a hypnotic visualizer for "Lake Zurich." The new album is the group's follow-up to Humanz released in April 2017.
Gorillaz Drops New Music
The first track, "Humility," comes with an accompanying summer-ready music video directed by Gorillaz cofounder Jamie Hewlett. It follows his own animated avatar zipping across Venice Beach on roller blades.
Black, who seemingly appear at random, brandishes a guitar and lip-syncs to the mellow summer anthem.
The band also released "Lake Zurich," another track from the new album. Stream below.
Ace From 'The Powerpuff Girls' Replaces Murdoc
This week, the band's new member also makes his debut.
The original fourth member of the alternative rock/trip-hop band, Murdoc, has been in jail in their fictional universe. Replacing him as the bassist is a green-skinned, lanky man with sleek-black hair named Ace.
For those who are wondering why the new character looks so familiar, that is because Ace is actually quite popular. He already made television appearances in the past as a member of the neighborhood nuisance the Gangreen Gang.
Yes, the Gorillaz' new bassist comes straight out of Townsville, a villain from the popular superhero animated series The Powerpuff Girls on Cartoon Network.
The band formally introduced him as the replacement to Murdoc on Thursday when they announced their new album.
Oh yeah, it's official: Murdoc's replacement is, in fact, Ace from the Gangreen Gang. (source: the official Gorillaz newsletter) pic.twitter.com/UJyk5DLajT — AZOO! (cody collins) (@azookara) May 31, 2018
To recap, Murdoc has been involved in some dirty work in the band's previous music video for "Strobelite," a track from Humanz released in August 2017. Unfortunately, he crossed El Mierda, a crime boss, who framed him for smuggling.
In a video released after the band won Best Band, Murdoc addresses the audience from prison.
No one exactly knows how long he will be gone, but Ace seems to be doing a great job filling his vacated position. However, the band is using their star power and mobilizing their fanbase to #FreeMurdoc.
This is the petition to help #FREEMURDOC ! Let's get our nasty boy back! https://t.co/vd9vtfU00h — #FREEMURDOC (@zarduhasselfrau) May 31, 2018
Gorillaz To Release New Album
According to Gorillaz cofounder Damon Albarn, The Now Now was produced by James Ford of Simian Mobile Disco. The English composer also previously worked with Alex Turner and company for Arctic Monkeys' divisive new album Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.
The new album also features contributions from Snoop Dogg, Benson, and Jamie Principle.
In a conversation with Beats 1, Albarn categorized The Now Now as a "summer record." He also noted that the LP will be heavier on him singing compared to the band's previous releases.
"I thought I should make a record where I'm just singing for once," he shared (via Consequence of Sound). "It's pretty much just me singing, very sort of in the world of 2-D. I feel really good about it. I feel really really good about it."
The Now Now will be released on June 29, but preorders are now open via Gorillaz' official website.
