In their best efforts to put a strong foot forward for the 2022 world tour, Gorillaz debuted 2 new songs at a gig at Antel Arena, Uruguay (28th of April). The two songs are titled; “Silent Running” and “Cracker Island” which feature the eccentric stylings of Thundercat. Whilst he wasn’t present during the performance, his presence was felt through an impressive visual display and tracked vocals.
The show saw Damon Albarn dust off a wealth of old gems as well as some rarer songs making some surprising entries, playing “Pirate Jet” for the first time since 2010 and giving the D-Sides track “Rockit” it’s premier live debut. But the show’s Coup de Grâce was no doubt when a scratchy saw-toothed synth announced the arrival of “Cracker Island”. Check out the fan captured footage below;
The second track to get its first outing for the lucky crowd was “Silent Running” which combines the band’s distinctive electronic harmonies with their penchant for an unforgettable bass riff. Take a look for yourself in the video below;
To get a sense of just how impressive and varied Gorrilaz’s catalogue truly is, take a look at the setlist they laid out;
“M1 A1”
“Strange Timez”
“Last Living Souls”
“Tranz”
“Aries”
“Tomorrow Comes Today”
“Rhinestone Eyes”
“19-2000”
“Glitter Freeze” (First time live since 2017)
“Cracker Island” (with Thundercat) (World premiere)
“O Green World” (First time live since 2017)
“On Melancholy Hill”
“Pirate Jet” (First time live since 2010)
“El Mañana”
“Silent Running” (World premiere)
“Interlude: Elevator Going Up”
“Andromeda”
“Rockit” (Live debut)
“Dirty Harry” (with Bootie Brown)
“Superfast Jellyfish” (with Pos)
“Feel Good Inc.” (with Pos)
“Momentary Bliss”
“Plastic Beach”
In a typically cryptic Gorillaz brand of messaging, the aforementioned visuals saw the listless channel flipping of a giant television set, before arriving on “The Static Channel”, which may signify a new phase of the band’s creative output following their most recent Song Machine releases.
Gorillaz will be returning to the UK later in the summer and will headline the All Points East festival, alongside the likes of IDLES, Self Esteem, Yves Tumor, Femi Kuti, Turnstile, Remi Wolf, Ibeyi, Nia Archives, Willow Kane, Obongjayar, New Dad and Gabriels. The festival is located in London’s Victoria Park and takes place on Friday the 19th of August 2022. You can find tickets here.
In recent news, Albarn popped up at both legs of Coachella 2022 and performed alongside Billie Eilish, performing her song “Getting Older” and his smash hit “Feel Good Inc.”. You can see their performance of “Feel Good Inc.” ft. De La Soul in the video below;
