Stylo (featuring Mos Def and Bobby Womack) is the first time we’ve heard from the cartoon fronted band since 2005‘s Demon Days. Gorillaz’s first single release from their upcoming album Plastic Beach (released 8th March 2010) takes Damon Albarn and co up the electronic Khyber pass.
Sounding a little too similar to a combination of song’s from Neon Neon’s Stainless Style, Stylo feels like it’s at least a year too late.
Featuring the rapping might of Mos Def and additional vocals from Bobby Womack, it sets up the return of Gorillaz as a recording team, and starts the ball rolling for what will inevitably be a series of high profile 3D cartoon gigs.
Despite the similarities to Stainless Style, there’s still a lot that’s cool about Stylo. I’m not a big fan of Bobby Womack’s singing and Mos Def’s rapping is slightly dates, but it’s still the Gorillaz. It may not be the best opening single, but it’s got the upcoming album coming out soon to back it up. Maybe there’s a salvage job waiting in the wings.
Either way, with Damon Albarn heading everything up and the animation of Jamie Hewlett, co-creator of Tank Girl, the full package will probably sell like a mo fo.
Gorillaz, Stylo single review: 3/5
