Fresh from the release of their ninth studio album, The Mountain, Gorillaz put on a dazzling show, worthy of the 15 year wait since their last Liverpool performance in 2001. Jampacked with household classics and soon-to-be hits, the native, so-called ‘virtual band’ filled out the iconic M&S Bank Arena with fans young and old- proving the universality of their brand and music.
Set during the peak of the newly released album, The Mountain, the tour with the aptly same name, celebrated the union of cultures and languages within the new Gorillaz songs.
The Mountain is said to “embody the very essence of Gorillaz’ collaborative ethos”, ultimately proven through the fusion of English, Arabic, Spanish, Hindi and Yoruba dialect. The ninth album further features over 20 artists from varying nations, each bringing a diverse quality to the overall production value. Whilst The Mountain was produced in response to the grief felt by both Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, the essence of rebirth and celebration- discovered during a ‘pilgrimage’ across India, is the true foundation of The Mountain, and the new journey for the band’s personas: Noodle, Russel Hobbs, 2-D and Murdoc Niccals.
Featured on the album’s second single, The Manifesto, Trueno opened the show with an introduction of Argentinian rap to the scouse crowd, and I doubt the Liverpool arena has ever amassed a wave of 11,000 middle-fingers- raised in response to the first song of the set, F*ck El Police. Followed by a diverse set of personal and political songs, the rapper’s pride in his Argentine heritage really shone through- allowing the crowd to connect to such by the translated lyrics on the stage’s screens. Trueno truly cemented himself as one of Gorillaz’ best opening acts, and a staple in the upcoming global rap scene.
As the energy lifted, simultaneously did the curtains, whilst Noodle, Russel Hobbs, 2-D, Murdoc Niccals and the audience began the journey through The Mountain, screaming as their favourite ‘character’ appeared on screen.
The buffet of global instruments sprawled the stage as the band’s musicians and singers prepared for opening the show with title track. Gorillaz has seemingly cracked the code for the perfect setlist, intertwining classic hits from older albums with fresh tracks influenced by the band’s newfound style and collaborations.
Following the title track, both The Happy Dictator and Tranz had the crowd bobbing heads and swaying to the rhythm of the tunes. Despite different in meaning and topicality, the responses to the tracks were indistinguishable.
Throughout the set, Damon Albarn’s staple PA microphone featured in plenty of songs, including during ‘19-2000’, and the penultimate Feel Good Inc. The usual eccentric antics of the frontman continued as he repeatedly blessed the sea of fans below by getting selfies, signing handmade gifts and singing directly to adoring fans.
Succeeding a queue of hits, the opening notes to On Melancholy Hill flourished through the arena, as the crowd was washed in blue lighting. Arguably one of Gorillaz’ biggest songs, the mellow synth-pop track from their third studio album, is and will always be a fan-favourite, evident through the crowd’s reaction.
However, a Gorillaz show wouldn’t be a Gorillaz show without an array of guests and surprise performances, including the well-received guest Bootie Brown during Dirty Harry. The show was compromised of other guests such as, Kara Jackson, Yasiin Bey and Sweetie Irie.
A highlight of the night for me was witnessing how well Gorillaz could blend a set of varying musical styles and instruments so flawlessly. Featured on The Mountain, Indian classical flutist, Ajay Prassana, also played during the show as Albarn brought audience attention to his playing, which was met with a wave of applause and cheer from the crowd. Michelle Ndegwa was also highlighted and brought forward from the rear of the stage for a solo during Kids With Guns, as her vocals received the biggest praise of the night thus far.
As the band collated side-stage for an encore, the excitement of the crowd only increased, eager to hear further fan-favourites. During the encore, opener Trueno returned to stage for his feature on the track, The Manifesto, rapping back-and-forth to the crowd and Albarn.
It’s this union of artists that has shaped the brand that Gorillaz has created for themselves, after winning multiple awards and releasing various albums. The band is renowned for the opportunities it gives other artists and the honouring of those previously worked with.
Gorillaz’ Liverpool set finalised with the two huge hits: Feel Good Inc. and Clint Eastwood, celebrating not only what the band has become, but also what its legacy holds.
Despite fans begging for “one more song”, after the arena lights turned on, and the band retreated backstage, the show was full of everything a live performance needs- electric crowd energy, a jampacked set, surprise guests and the honouring of its music and collaborators. It’s going to be hard to beat Gorillaz’ set at the M&S Bank Arena, and The Mountain tour, it has truly encapsulated what Gorillaz is and the thrill of life that is explored in the new album.
Arlo McCarthy
