Based on the dystopian premise of envisioning a world run by a dangerously unqualified man-child, Humanz is the party before the world ends.
Screeching sirens and clipped choirs assist Vince Staples as he urges "the sky is falling baby/drop that a*** ‘fore it crash" (Ascension).
The formula is well worn, yet the haunted trip-hop of Saturnz Barz and Charger, where cyber-dominatrix Grace Jones icily ad-libs over a jagged metal riff, suitably showcase Albarn’s wrangling — and disaster-preparedness — skills.
• Gorillaz. Humanz. Parlophone.
• Three and a half stars (out of five)
Single download: Charger
For those who like: Epic guest-lists and existential dread
— John Hayden
