Damon Albarn releases 'Everyday Robots' – the eponymous cut from his new solo record

Blur and Gorillaz front-man Damon Albarn's long-awaited solo album will feature contributions from Brian Eno and Bat For Lashes, it was revealed this week. Albarn has released a video for the title track, Everyday Robots, produced by XL Recordings boss Richard Russell, with whom Albarn collaborated on Bobby Womack's The Bravest Man In The Universe. The video, directed by visual artist Aitor Throup, features computer-generated anatomical models of a human head – layers of muscle tissue and flesh are slowly added, until a familiar face emerges.

Albarn had previously posted a video of an instrumental version of the track, cut together with footage shot on his excursion to Africa. According to Albarn's Facebook page, the album is "his most soul-searching and autobiographical yet. Thematically, Albarn says the album "explores nature versus technology." A press release states: "The songs' subject matter is more directly personal than before and is inspired by Albarn's experiences from early childhood to now, including the trappings of our modern existence, computer games, mobile phones and nature versus technology." His last solo album, Dr. Dee, was the libretto from a stage musical penned by Albarn, and first staged at the Manchester International Festival. Albarn's only UK festival appearance this summer will be at Latitude (17-20 July).

From the archive

REVIEWS
Damon Albarn – Dr. Dee