Gorillaz have captured the essence of reflection with their latest single, 'The God Of Lying,' featuring the distinct vocals of IDLES' frontman Joe Talbot. This new release forms part of their highly anticipated album, 'The Mountain', offering a preview of what's to come.
The track, the third release from the upcoming album after 'The Happy Dictator' with Sparks and 'The Manifesto' featuring Trueno and the late Proof, was crafted in various locations, including London, Devon, and Mumbai. 'The God Of Lying' signals a creative collaboration with Ajay Prasanna on bansuri and Viraj Acharya contributing percussion, infusing the song with a rich cultural texture.
The music delves deep into universal themes of grief, political division, and existential musings. It begins with a haunting question, 'Who am I?', setting the stage for Talbot's introspective lyrics. His distinctive voice inquires, 'Are you happy with your housing? / Are you climbing up the walls?', capturing feelings of societal disconnection and internal doubt.
The track gradually builds to an expressive crescendo, culminating in a chorus that resonates with urgency: 'Running to the exit, with a huge grin on my face / Screaming, hope is behind, and I want to get high'. The lyrical depth is meant to provoke thought rather than provide answers, an open invitation to listeners to introspect.
Gorillaz frontman 2D commented on the song’s essence, saying, 'Doubt is very tiring but questioning things is really good for you.' Unveiled recently, 'The God Of Lying' premiered live at Gorillaz's intimate, phone-free 'House Of Kong' show in London.
'The Mountain', set for release on March 20, 2026, promises an array of collaborations, featuring artists like Sparks, Black Thought, Omar Souleyman, and many others, expanding across musical and cultural borders. Interesting posthumous guest contributions labeled as 'Voices from Elsewhere' will feature from notable figures such as Dennis Hopper and Bobby Womack.
Inspired partly by personal loss and trips to India, Damon Albarn, the band's creative force, shared the journey behind the album. Reflecting on his experiences, Albarn remarked, 'India is a very interesting place to carry grief', describing a poignant visit to Varanasi where he scattered his father's ashes into the Ganges.
Continuing to break from tradition, Gorillaz will forego their iconic animated videos for a one-time production to accompany the album. The band is gearing up for a UK and Ireland tour slated for March 2025, offering fans in cities like Birmingham and Dublin a chance to experience their new music live.
Tickets are already a hot commodity, with fans eagerly awaiting not just the auditory but the profound experience Gorillaz consistently deliver.