Track Of The Day: The Good, The Bad And The Queen - Merrie Land

The legend that is Damon Albarn returned recently with his supergroup that also features Clash bassist Paul Simonon, ex-Verve guitarist Simon Tong and renowned afrobeat drummer Tony Allen. 11 years ago, their self-titled debut album dealt with London in the 21st century and the Iraq War. This time round, The Good, The Bad And The Queen release "a reluctant good-bye letter" as Britain prepares to leave the EU. 'Merrie Land' is described as "a series of observations and reflections on Britishness in 2018" and "a beautiful and hopeful paean to the Britain of today, an inclusive Britain, currently in an Anglo-Saxostentialist crises at the end of a relationship, wondering what might be salvaged." What we get is a fine concept record from an illustrious group of musicians, and another one to add to Albarn's catalog of marvelous albums.
The awesome centrepiece 'The Truce Of Twilight' is the closest 'Merrie Land' comes to Gorillaz with its inviting synth hook, extra dimensions added by exemplary drum work from Allen, magnificent chord sequences and an edge that comes across as more aggressive than much of the material Albarn has released this decade with his various different projects.
These weird, volatile times are producing some amazing music, and this is very likely to become the record that defines the upheaval of Brexit. Read the full album review HERE.