Release Date: 28/01/14 The first solo effort from the mastermind behind Blur and Gorillaz has been confirmed for release within the year. Which is intriguing news for fans, as it was expected that Blur's revival would take prominence instead of Damon continuing his musical exploration (as seen throughout the Gorillaz years). Yet, this is not an unwelcome choice by any means. Damon is at his best when pushing his boundaries, when making the music that interests him regardless of genre. And under the guidance of XL Records boss Richard Russell (responsible for Radiohead, the Prodigy and The XX albums) it is likely that Albarn's creativity will be nourished within this new record. A welcome prospect for all music fans. So far we have been treated to one bizarre twenty second piece of viral advertisement for the album, featuring Albarn sat at a piano decorated with skulls and a stuffed owl and presented in a monochromatic colour scheme as a Gorillaz-esque piano plays in the background. Soon after this, fans received the first true taste of what to expect from "Everyday Robots" in the official video for the title track appearing on Youtube. The track is a highly synthesised piece of social commentary with Albarn attacking the banal nature of 21st century life and the over-reliance on technology to get through the day. It is one of Albarn's most mature and poignant songs to date, showing him in a light which neither Blur or Gorillaz required him to adopt. He is vulnerable-sounding in his vocals, and because of this he is easier to relate to, as he berates modern society.
