The kings of virtual pop go back to basics
Gorillaz don’t do things by halves. To celebrate the release of their ninth album, The Mountain, and the start of their world tour, the band has just released an 8-minute animated short film on YouTube. It’s called “The Mountain, The Moon Cave and The Sad God” and it’s pure Jamie Hewlett.
That is, it is pure and simple drawing. No complex software or artificial intelligence. The band’s visual co-creator teamed up with London studio The Line to do everything analogously. A job that, according to reports, took them 18 months and thousands of hours.
“The film offers a condensed explanation of what is sung on the album, which is essentially the story of life,” Hewlett explained for BBC Radio 2.
A classic adventure with the usual four
The plot follows Noodle, Murdoc, 2D and Russel on a journey to India using… fake passports? Of course, because they are like that. The mission: explore spirituality, seek creative inspiration and find those magical rhythms that only appear when you get lost.
The style is a direct homage to classic ’60s animated films, such as 101 Dalmatians. The strokes have that organic texture and that warm movement that is almost not seen anymore. The most obvious reference is The Jungle Book (1967), with that lush jungle full of mystical creatures.
It is a declaration of principles. In an industry obsessed with the digital and the instant, Gorillaz choose the slow route, handmade art. It’s not just a promotional video; It’s a reminder that magic sometimes takes time and a pencil.
The result is a visual gem that works as the perfect gateway to the universe of the new album. A thoughtful and authentic journey with the most beloved characters of alternative pop.
