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Since we’re in the business of reviewing music here and not marketing concepts, let’s forget for a second that Gorillaz is a cartoon band. Imagine instead the real-life scenario of Damon Albarn (Blur), Miho Hatori (Cibo Matto, the Weymouth couple (Tina and Chris), and a bunch of others tooling around in a recording studio with no real sense of direction. Take away the imagery of four ultra-funky, international super hero freaks, and what you are left with is a random cauldron of sound with no focus.
Gorillaz make music that is full of processed rhythms and melodies so monotonous that it’s easy to forget that you're listening to music in the first place. Most of the international flavor comes from Jamaica, with dub techniques that pre-date rap styles, and the melodica, a mono-toned instrument that was abused by some reggae stylists. The balance of Gorillaz’ influence is a predictable mix of hip-hop, rock and electronica. Some of their music is fun ("Clint Eastwood", for instance), but most of it is just plain stupid ("Man Research", "Punk", "Sound Check"…).
As a ‘cartoon’ record, I expected this CD to be much more upbeat and lively than it is. ‘Gorillaz’ is just odd enough to hold my interest, but it’s the type of collection that would embarrass me if I were caught listening by anyone with something that even resembles good taste. Other than the hit, the most interesting track is ‘5/4’, which features a guitar part in 5 (actually 5/8, but who’s counting?) fused over a standard 4/4 pattern. When the band does come up with a good riff, they beat it into your skull until you could scream from the repetition ("19-2000"). Easily the most bizarre track – among stiff competition – is "Que Pasa Contigo?", featuring Ibraham Ferrer of the Buena Vista Social Club, who sounds as though he’s singing over the deranged samples with one eyebrow raised. ‘Gorillaz’ might be an interesting novelty, but next time, it would be nice if they tried to make music, too.
Grade: 
 
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