Damon Albarn’s non-Blur work has always been notable for its effortlessly vibrant way of flirting with a diverse range of genres and styles. This colorful auditory explosion is jarringly absent from “Stylo,” the new single from the Albarn-helmed cartoon-band Gorillaz.
“Stylo” isn’t a terrible song — the persistent electro beat and off-kilter soul vocals make for a satisfying mix — but it simply sounds more like album-filler than a fully formed lead single. Mos Def’s muffled rhymes are forgettable and Bobby Womack’s soulful yelps cannot carry the song alone. “Stylo” is a minor misstep for a project that has been remarkably consistent through two albums, and fans of the Gorillaz’ earlier work may feel left out in the cold.
However, the song is no indicator that the forthcoming album Plastic Beach will be a disappointment as well. The band seems to be pursuing less accessible musical structures, and hopefully “Stylo” is just a weak link in a chain of more interesting ideas.
