Gorillaz’s Epic India Journey Rewrites Global Music Boundaries
Gorillaz is back and this time, the animated band led by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett has taken fans on a journey that spans continents, cultures and grief. Their new album, The Mountain , drops February 27 and it’s more than just another Gorillaz release—it’s a musical odyssey shaped by loss, discovery and the vibrant chaos of India.
The story begins with deeply personal moments. Jamie Hewlett faced a family emergency in Jaipur, India, while Damon Albarn lost his father shortly after. These experiences became the emotional backbone of the album, influencing both the sound and the spirit of their music. Albarn revisited his early exposure to Indian classical music, an influence that has lingered since childhood, as his parents immersed him in the sounds of Ravi Shankar and traditional ragas.
The duo traveled across Mumbai, Jaipur, New Delhi, Varanasi and Rishikesh, seeking inspiration in bustling markets, serene temples and even small, historic instrument shops where legends like George Harrison once explored the sitar. They worked with local musicians, absorbing the rhythm, heat and energy of India. The result is an album that fuses the surreal, animated world of Gorillaz with authentic Indian sounds, creating something both globally accessible and culturally specific.
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The Mountain features collaborations with iconic artists like Anoushka Shankar on sitar, the Bangash brothers on sarod and legendary vocals from Asha Bhosle. The album also includes contributions from international stars including Black Thought, Bizarrap and Sparks. The songs are bold, experimental and politically aware, exploring themes of existence, societal pressure and even the absurdities of our world. Tracks like “Happy Dictator” and “The God of Lying” mix optimism with critical observation, while the fusion of sitar and sarod into Gorillaz’s signature electronic textures pushes the band into uncharted musical territory.
Visually, Hewlett returned to hand-drawn animation for an eight-minute film accompanying the album, inspired by classic works like The Jungle Book . The animation is rich, chaotic and immersive—mirroring the frenetic yet enchanting landscapes the duo experienced in India. The album, therefore, is not just a collection of songs; it’s a fully realized multisensory adventure.
For fans and newcomers alike, The Mountain represents a rare moment where global pop meets deep cultural exploration. It challenges the boundaries of genre, storytelling and musical collaboration, while honoring the traditions and innovations of Indian classical music. Gorillaz are not just performing—they are bridging worlds, reminding us that grief, curiosity and creativity often travel together.
Stay tuned as we follow Gorillaz on this journey. The album promises to expand not only the band’s universe but also our own understanding of how music can connect cultures, generations and emotions. Keep watching for exclusive performances, insights and more from one of the most inventive musical projects in the world today.
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