Damon Albarn has a long history of making his fans wait for new music, regardless of which group he's currently involved with. Fortunately for those fans, the music he does release is usually so stellar that even a delay of Chinese Democracy proportions would probably be worth it. The Gorillaz last proper release, 2011's experimental The Fall, was a so-so offering recorded entirely on Albarn's iPad while he was in the midst of touring. After that uneven album, Albarn kept busy with his various side projects, including a supergroup with Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers called Rocket Juice & the Moon. (Because why not?) He also released a solo album that was endlessly entertaining. But regardless of whatever the Blur frontman has been up to lately, five years is far too long of a stretch to be without new Gorillaz music. Described as "very upbeat, humorous, and positive," the upcoming record is bound to be full of interesting collaborations and a renewed vigor. "It's really fast and it's got quite a lot of energy," says Albarn. So those expecting the slow, hazy groove of "Clint Eastwood" might be disappointed. The rest of us should be psyched.
