Cracker Island
Gorillaz’ psychedelic love letter to California
By Shanna Sivakumar
Gorillaz has returned with an album that’s meant to transport you to the beaches of California– to Silver Lake, specifically. The ten-track LP is filled with the signature electronica that Gorillaz is known for, but it’s slightly less hard-hitting, almost like the album took a Xanax before its release.
With an impressive guest lineup ranging from Tame Impala to Bad Bunny, Gorillaz had the opportunity to make an incredibly eclectic album reflective of their third full release, “Plastic Beach.” Instead, they kept it close to home and created an album that stays true to their artistry and image but leaves the listener wishing for a little more experimentation.
It opens on a loud note with a classic synth-pop title track, “Cracker Island,” which is reminiscent of their biggest hit, “Feel Good Inc.” from their 2005 album, “Demon Days.” The album then slowly gets more mellow and introspective until lead man Damon Albarn sings of sorrow, regret, and a bit of mystical death over an acoustic guitar and mariachi-style trumpet in the final song, “Possession Island,” featuring Beck. Across the span of the entire LP, the lyrics tell the story of a psychedelic journey on a fantasy island– Cracker Island.
From the laid-back synths of “The Tired Influencer” to the soft reggaeton beats of “Tormenta” featuring Bad Bunny, this album is an easy-breezy listen, released at the perfect time for a long drive in the (slightly) warm weather. And if you ever decide to head West, you know what album to listen to.