Damon Albarn – Everyday Robots

Upon first hearing Everyday Robots most individuals will be filled with a sense of both novelty and curiosity. Novelty due to the realisation that Damon Albarn, a previous member of the bands Gorillaz and Blur, is now going it alone, and curiosity because of how peculiar it initially sounds to hear him perform an entirely different genre. However, once you recover from these feelings you’ll become aware of the fact that Everyday Robots is actually a very well constructed album.

Mr Tembo, a typically carefree, summertime tune, is most certainly a highlight of the album: the cheerful vibes it creates are enough to escalate it in the charts. In comparison, Heavy Seas of Love is a triumph in an entirely different way. It is touching and emotive, yet still manages to be blasé and easy to listen to – a combination which many artists fail to achieve.

The album also offers the listener the opportunity to get up and close with Albarn and better understand what has shaped him. The Selfish Giant and Hostiles are both tracks that demonstrate this principle thoroughly. The combination of poignant lyrics and atmospheric compositions reveal a new side to Albarn and his multiple talents, and even if you are not a fan of his, you certainly will be once hearing the depth and vigour expressed in both songs.

Before listening to Everyday Robots ensure that you lose any preconceived notions that you may have about Albarn’s musical style, because this album is an evolutionary milestone, and not one that can be compared to any of his previous work. If you’re searching for relaxing, elevating music to take you away from your own reality then look no further.

Keira Trethowan

Everyday Robots is released on 25^th April 2014. For further information or to order the album visit Damon Albarn’s website here.

Watch the video for Heavy Seas of Love here: