Gorillaz feat. Peter Hook and Georgia
Aries
Warner
Aries is the third ‘episode’ of Song Machine: Season 1, the new multimedia project from virtual group, Gorillaz. Song Machine is being released in a new format, 12 songs in 12 months. The project began with Momentary Bliss on January 30, which featured rapper slowthai and punk rock band Slaves, and is expected to continue until the end of the year.
This instalment features big names Peter Hook, the former bassist for Joy Division and New Order, and UK drummer/producer/songwriter Georgia, the daughter of Leftfield’s Neil Barnes.
The genius of this track lies in its collaboration, as Hook’s musical talent integrates itself flawlessly into the composition, finding a niche in the trip hop of Gorillaz. Although the song draws heavily from Hook’s new wave influence, 2-D/Damon Albarn’s lackadaisical vocal style makes for an equally commanding impression and demonstrates the track’s ability to artfully marry genres.
Despite the song’s melancholic tonality, it still packs a punch, flaunting a use of synth and a drum machine that could have been pulled off any 80s pop hit.
The compilation of all these elements makes for a multi-dimensional song and some of Gorillaz’ best material since Plastic Beach (2010).
Aries may not be the most innovative track so far from Song Machine, but it exhibits a maturity of Gorillaz’ style and hopefully signifies the promise of more great collaborations to come.
BETH CAVALLI-FORBES
