Beneath The Filler, There Is Music (And It Is Good!)
Written: May 30 '05
Product Rating:
Pros: more mature sound, 15 tracks, solid
Cons: filler, less alternative style, can take a while to get into
The Bottom Line: Demon Days is nice to add to your collection if this is your cup of tea. The fresh sound is cool, but isn't the deepest musical experience you'll ever hear.
rockthecasbah's Full Review: Demon Days [PA] by Gorillaz
Introduction
Let me start out by saying this: I am a Gorillaz fan. I loved their self titled album, even though many disliked every song besides "Clint Eastwood." I bought this record thinking I would receive more of the same. I was both pleasantly surprised and saddened by this album, unable to decide whether the changes made were good or bad. Eventually I reached the point where I can say this is a great album, you just may need to warm up to it.
About The Music
Gorillaz's music is a blend of a few genres, mainly techno-pop with a hip hop and alternative edge. While their previous self titled release was more of the alternative style, Demon Days is a much more hip hop influenced record. This may be so since it was co-produced by DJ Danger Mouse, who was responsible for the cult classic "Gray Album."
For those who don't know the history of Gorillaz, the 2d band was formed from Blur frontman as a side project. The alternative rocker then brought in electronic elements, animated characters, and thumpin' beats to create the relatively popular Gorillaz. Their latest installment, Demon Days, is only the second real album released in the U.S., despite a lackluster compilation of remixed songs a year or two ago.
The Music Itself
Danger Mouse's influence made Demon Days a much more solid feeling album, despite having a much more processed sound to it. This is achieved via heavy reliance on synthesizers and drum machines. Less vocals and real instruments have been included, but considering the quality of the new music, the alternative style is not missed like one would think. As is with previous Gorillaz releases, there are two or three really good songs and about 12 filler tracks. The same can be said about Demon Days, although the quality of the filler is higher.
The problem with this cd is not that the songs are bad. Rather, the fault is all the songs are very similar. They all have a techno beat, funky vocals, and very little real instruments. The variation is really what has brought me to this unsure feeling about the album. Besides "Feel Good, Inc" I really can't say any songs are better than others, just because they are all so similar.
One thing is for sure, this record has a much more mature feeling. Along with this feeling is the fact that I know I will enjoy the disk more as I listen. Demon Days has a much more finished feel also; orchestral strings, choruses, etc. accompany many of the tracks such as the song itself "Demon Days."
All things aside, Demon Days is a good album if you were into the more hip hop side of Gorillaz. The beats are energetic and the music is much more matured and polished. It is also much deeper musically than the previous release. This all combined with the fact that it is 14 good tracks is quite a deal.
The Negatives / Positives
Depending on the way you look at it, this section can be bad or good. The non varying tracks of Demon Days could be seen either way. For some, the solidity was a positive, considering how oddly different some tracks on the first cd were. For those who are like me, this can be seen as a negative to some extent, not that the songs are bad, just it can get tiring if you haven't quite warmed up to the sound.
The Conclusion
Demon Days delivers. What it delivers may seem a bit tiring by the end, but Gorillaz provide a more matured sound and the most solid release from them to date. If you have considered purchasing a Gorillaz album in the past, this is probably the one to get. Musically it will hold your attention, but isn't the deepest record you will ever hear. If the price is good, get it. You will most likely enjoy it for the period you have it.
The 15-track Demon Days is the follow-up to Gorillaz s worldwide smash self-titled debut and was co-produced by Albarn and Danger Mouse. The London Co...More at Buy.com
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