Gorillaz: Taking Fans Higher With The Mountain

Released on February 27, indie rock group Gorillaz's The Mountain showcases the fictional band’s evolving style through atmospheric production and experimental sounds. While some tracks prioritize mood over instant hooks, the album’s mix of influences and collaborations makes it a compelling listen.
by Amelia May

Released on February 27, indie rock group Gorillaz's The Mountain showcases the fictional band’s evolving style through atmospheric production and experimental sounds. While some tracks prioritize mood over instant hooks, the album’s mix of influences and collaborations makes it a compelling listen.

The latest album release from Gorillaz, titled The Mountain, marks a significant evolution in the band’s storied discography. Known for their ability to blend genres and collaborate with diverse artists, Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett have crafted an album that prioritizes atmosphere and experimental production over the radio-ready hooks found in their earlier work. While some listeners may miss the immediate catchiness of “Feel Good Inc.,” The Mountain offers a deeper, more cinematic experience that rewards repeated listening.

The album functions as a cohesive journey rather than a simple collection of singles. From the opening moments, it is clear that the project is designed to build a specific world. The title track, “The Mountain,” sets this mysterious tone perfectly. It features a slow-build production style, layering synths and percussion to create a sense of rising tension. The lyrics, which reflect on a fading skyline and the passage of time, signal that this album is focused on reflection and mood-building.

Following the atmospheric opening, “The Moon Cave” introduces more rhythmic energy. It blends electronic grooves—reminiscent of the Plastic Beach era’s “Rhinestone Eyes”—with distorted vocals and intricate synth layers. The track creates a vivid, almost haunting visual image, suggesting a descent into a mechanical, underground world. This sense of place is a recurring theme throughout the record, as Albarn uses soundscapes to transport the listener to different environments.

One of the standout moments on the album is “The Happy Dictator,” featuring the legendary band Sparks. This track serves as the album’s most accessible point, with an upbeat tempo and a clear melodic chorus. It captures the classic Gorillaz balance of playful energy and sharp political commentary. Lines like “smile while the world spins fast,” delivered over a driving beat, recall the band’s mid-2000s height. The collaboration with Sparks feels natural, with their quirky pop sensibilities merging perfectly with Albarn’s production style.

For a shift in emotional tone, “Orange County” provides a softer, dreamier sound. Much like “On Melancholy Hill,” this track relies on a relaxed vocal performance and melodic instrumentals. The lyrics evoke imagery of a glowing sunset, offering a moment of calm and beauty amidst the album’s more intense, electronic-heavy tracks. It’s a reminder that beneath the layer of production, Albarn’s songwriting remains rooted in genuine human emotion.

The experimental nature of the album continues with “The Empty Dream Machine.” This track pushes boundaries with complex, stuttering beats and heavy vocal effects. While it may not be an instant favorite for everyone, its eerie atmosphere echoes the darker, more industrial tones of Demon Days tracks like “O Green World.” Similarly, “Damascus” highlights the band’s signature ability to blend global musical influences with modern electronic elements. By focusing on neon-lit lyrical imagery and a specific sense of location, the track reinforces the unique genre-mixing that has always defined the Gorillaz project.
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Ultimately, The Mountain is most effective when experienced as a complete work from start to finish. Although certain songs require multiple listens to fully grasp their complexity, the intricate production and thoughtful collaborations ensure a rewarding experience for long-time fans. For those who appreciate the atmospheric and creative depth of the band’s most experimental eras, this album stands as a strong and highly memorable addition to their legacy. I rate this album a 10/10.