Possibly not making up for Blur's non-appearance at this year's Big Day Out, frontman Damon Albarn has released his solo debut album.
Albarn probably said it best in describing the sound of his solo debut album, saying the music leaned towards his more melancholic, introspective soulful side. In other words, don't expect to hear another Blur or Gorillaz album, this is Damon Albarn stripped bare - raw and emotional.
That said, there are glimpses of Blur's quieter moments - album closer Heavy Seas of Love recalls the group singalong vibe of Tender from the 1999 album 13. And the title track's electronic elements wouldn't be out of place on a Gorillaz track. This song, Everyday Robots, has a point to make about the effects on us of the march of technology. "We are everyday robots on our phones ... Looking like standing stones," he sings as the music replicates the slow, relentless grind of a factory process.
Don't worry, there is the odd brighter moment on the album - Mr Tembo is an uplifting track written for a baby elephant Albarn saw in a zoo in Tanzania. Its ukulele strums and choir backing make for a light, fun, listen. Along with Heavy Seas it's the album highlight. And considering the melancholy, downbeat nature of the rest of Everyday Robots, you'll probably want to repeat both to lift you back out of the inevitable funk. Kim Gillespie
