“Virtual band” Gorillaz are living (though animated) proof that artificial intelligence will never come close to the creative capabilities of the human mind.
The supergroup Gorillaz, co-created by multi-instrumentalist Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, kicked off their first extensive North American tour in years in Orlando — bringing their ninth album, The Mountain, directly to the people. Gorillaz immersed the Kia Center with their multi-genre artistry and served as a pinnacle of anthropogenic and innovative craftsmanship in a world of AI slop.
As pop-music troublemakers for more than 25 years, Albarn and Hewlett did not disappoint, presenting a show that was compelling and musically and graphically crisp and exhilarating. Albarn sang 24 of the Gorillaz’s songs, including notable hits like “She’s My Collar” and “Feel Good Inc.,” while Hewlett’s vibrant illustrations stole the show. Hewlett was able to build a completely new world with his painstakingly hand-drawn characters and scenery. The featured illustrations had a cyberpunk aesthetic that spanned several different terrains: the ocean, the desert, a cityscape.
Gorillaz mocked the use of AI repeatedly, bringing out “Alan,” a satirical Muppet-esque mascot bearing a red “Algorithmic Atrophy” button. Albarn would press the button to disrupt Hewlett’s visuals, simulating AI’s destructive capabilities.
The band’s cartoon “performers” lineup of 2-D (singer), Murdoc Niccals (bassist), Russel Hobbs (drummer) and Noodle (lead guitarist) played on a large screen behind their human support. In past years, the animated members were holographically projected on stage to create a three-dimensional stage presence. While 2-D, Murdoc, Russel and Noodle weren’t “physically” on the stage, they seamlessly moved across a sprawling three-wall screen for the bulk of the show. There were several songs where the animated 2-D would “sing” perfectly in sync with Albarn, enhancing the illusion of the lead singer of a virtual band.
Over a dozen vocalists and instrumentalists played on stage as Albarn sang into a compact hand-held dynamic microphone. The unique microphone, with a comically large cord, distorted Albarn’s vocals with eerie touches of feedback that mimicked the sound of their recorded songs. Gorillaz brought out a handful of special guests, like Bootie Brown, Del tha Funky Homosapien (!), Kara Jackson and Michelle Ndegwa. Little Simz, one of the opening acts, also accompanied Albarn to perform “Garage Palace” together.
Gorillaz made sure to highlight the sounds of India that so heavily informed their latest album. A bansuri player wore traditional Indian attire as the silvery sounds of the wooden flute guided the audience through different parts of the set list. Hewlett created accompanying visuals, like a Nataraj illustrated in his signature Gorillaz style. The band also paid tribute to late Indian vocalist Asha Bhosle, playing her outro in “The Shadowy Light” while her photo prominently lit up the screen.
A sold-out house at the Kia Center didn’t mean that Gorillaz would play it safe and keep things “neutral.” As the stage lights flashed vivid colors, including white, green and red, Albarn held up the Palestinian flag, telling the audience to not turn a blind eye to what’s happening in today’s world. He urged the audience to vote in the upcoming midterm elections because we are all “the last living souls; we can’t be neutral.”
At one point, the backing singers and instrumentalists left the stage, leaving Albarn to his piano. Alone with the packed house, he performed “Cloud of Unknowing.” The melancholic rendition of the song was paired with anti-war videos that featured violent war bombings and protesting soldiers.
The night ended with one of their most popular tracks, “Clint Eastwood,” another feature with Del tha Funky Homosapien.
Gorillaz put on a show that was both unforgettable and inspiring, reminding us that creativity and artistry are a product of a world that is both inclusive and democratic.
