Gorillaz collaborate with Tame Impala and Bootie Brown in alternative anthem 'New Gold'

Enshrined in indie-rock royalty, Gorillaz, have released their new alternative single, ‘New Gold, featuring the multi-talented vocals of Kevin Parker of Tame Impala and Bootie Brown, formerly of The Pharcyde. 

Gorillaz are recognised as a trademark for British music, and. through their iconic visual performance within digital art, their music encapsulates a virtual world that listeners are invited to step into within their ever-expanding discography. Past collaborations have combined their unique approach with artists who dominate various genres, including Grace Jones, Elton John, and Little Simz.

‘New Gold’ features on the highly anticipated album ‘Cracker Island’, fusing Tame Impala’s predicated psychedelic style with Bootie Brown’s innovative lyrical lens. Brown and Parker exude fast-paced energy in the break: “Are we all losing our minds? / Because life got in the way (Hey, hey, hey) / They will be here just in time / Your replacement is here to stay (Ah-ah-ah-ah)”.

 

The single explores a quasi-dystopian outlook on societal deterioration, and the catchy upbeat backdrop of the track perfectly juxtaposes the pessimistic questioning of the lyrics. The imagery of “a desolate city where it hurts to smile” sustains the perfect balance of emotional excavation and physical isolation.

 

2-D and Brown harness this blunt view of reality in the comparison of “New gold, fool’s gold”. By reinforcing the focal “gold” symbolism of the lyrics as a trope for artifice and ignorance, the track reflects this detachment in the bridge’s repeated chant with “disappear”.

 

Listeners can experience the emotive development of ‘New Gold’ by watching the glamorous artistic interpretation displayed in the track’s music video.

 

Alanya Smith

@alanyasmith

Image: 'New Gold (feat. Tame Impala and Bootie Brown)' Official Single Cover