With “Skinny Ape” the Gorillaz have presented the fourth single from their forthcoming album CRACKER ISLAND. At the same time, the virtual band has announced their augmented reality debut for two shows in New York City (Times Square) and London (Piccadilly Circus), where fans can see the comic book characters Murdoc Niccals, 2D, Noodle and Russel Hobbs in real life using the latest technology can experience. The music video for the latest song will also be created as part of the show.
The new record will be released on February 24th, the tracks “Cracker Island”, “New Gold” and “Baby Queen” have already been released.
2D finds new courage in “Skinny Ape”.
“Don’t worry about me,” sings virtual Gorillaz singer 2D (Damon Albarn). “I’m a cartoon G [Kumpel] / And my intention is to breathe in a new world / Don’t worry about me.” The character is known for being physically and mentally abused by Murdoc Niccals, the bassist, for years, leaving 2D depressed and suicidal Has. After Niccal’s absence from the production of THE NOW NOW (2018) and his comeback on SONG MACHINE, SEASON ONE: STRANGE TIMEZ (2020), 2D seemed happier and more comfortable with his toxic colleague’s presence on CRACKER ISLAND as well.
This is also confirmed by his eyes, which – even in the presence of Murdoc – have remained white since then and have no longer turned black. “Skinny Ape” sounds like a new beginning, for which the musician can use no pity.
The virtual band comes to life with the help of augmented reality
Conceived by Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett and French director and illustrator Fx Goby, the shows will leverage Google’s augmented reality product ARCore Geospatial API. The audience should be the band members with the help of an app that should be available for download soon, can be seen in life size.
A statement said: “These immersive experiences will allow fans to gather to see the Gorillaz up close (…) as Murdoc, 2D, Noodle and Russel literally tower over them and amidst two of the world’s most iconic skylines Playing the world.” We went to a concert by the group in Berlin this year, here is our review.
Virtual bassist Murdoc Niccals stated, “To all our followers, get ready for the biggest takeover of Times Square since that other gorilla [King Kong] smashed the place. Bigger even, because there are four of us. Thanks to the engineers at Google, we’ve created the music video event of the century, so put on your pink robes. Come see the Gorillaz like you’ve never seen us before. The future is near!”
The musicians have released a teaser trailer for their announced live performance, showing the virtual avatars:
You can listen to the previous single releases here: