Gorillaz’s new album ‘The Mountain’ Reflects on Loss and Finds Inspiration in India
Table of Contents
- 1. Gorillaz’s new album ‘The Mountain’ Reflects on Loss and Finds Inspiration in India
- 2. A Journey Rooted in Loss and Discovery
- 3. Musical Collaboration and Global Influences
- 4. Visuals and Themes
- 5. What inspired the Indian classical elements in gorillaz’s “The Mountain”?
- 6. Gorillaz’s “The Mountain”: An India‑Inspired Journey of Death and Rebirth
- 7. The Song’s Genesis: A Personal Loss & Spiritual Seeking
- 8. Musical Influences: Ragas and the Shehnai
- 9. Lyrical Interpretation: A Journey Through Samsara
- 10. Bismillah khan’s Reluctance & The Power of Persuasion
- 11. “The Mountain” in the Context of Gorillaz’s Evolution
- 12. Lasting Legacy & Continued Relevance
London, United Kingdom – The virtual band gorillaz, fronted by Damon Albarn, is preparing to release its ninth studio album, ‘The mountain,’ on February 27, 2026. The project, born from a period of personal loss and profoundly influenced by their experiences in India, promises a deeply reflective and emotionally resonant journey for listeners. The album, released via their own Kong label, centers around themes of death, grief, and the cyclical nature of life, heavily inspired by Eastern philosophies.
Albarn, speaking from his home in the U.K., described a particularly bleak winter, yet emphasized the underlying faith in existence that fueled the creative process. Jamie Hewlett, Gorillaz’s visual architect, echoed this sentiment, revealing that the project crystallized following significant personal hardships, including the illness and passing of family members.
A Journey Rooted in Loss and Discovery
Hewlett’s initial journey to India in 2022, prompted by his mother-in-law’s medical emergency in Jaipur, Rajasthan, sparked a profound connection to the country. Despite the challenging circumstances, he found himself captivated by Jaipur’s vibrancy and culture. Further travels with Albarn in 2023 solidified this connection, exposing them to the rich tapestry of Indian music, art, and spirituality. This immersive experience ultimately formed the core of ‘The Mountain.’
The duo’s pre-existing connection to Indian culture – stemming from Albarn’s childhood exposure to Indian classical music through his father – provided a foundation for their exploration. This long-held appreciation deepened during their time in India, ultimately manifesting in the album’s sonic landscape. Albarn recalled growing up listening to ravi Shankar, a pioneering figure in bringing Indian music to Western audiences.
Musical Collaboration and Global Influences
‘The Mountain’ boasts a diverse array of collaborators, seamlessly blending Indian musical traditions with Gorillaz’s signature sound. The album features performances from renowned artists such as Ajay Prasanna on flute, Anoushka Shankar on sitar, and Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash on sarod. Notable posthumous contributions from the likes of Dennis Hopper, Bobby womack, and others also add layers of depth.
The album’s collaborative spirit extends beyond India, featuring artists like Black Thoght, Omar Souleyman, and Johnny Marr. This global mix reflects Gorillaz’s long-standing commitment to cross-cultural exchange. According to the recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), collaborative projects accounted for over 60% of songs reaching platinum status in 2024, reflecting a growing trend in the music industry.
Visuals and Themes
Hewlett has created striking visuals accompanying ‘The Mountain,’ drawing heavily on Indian motifs and mythology. The artwork depicts band members reimagined within Indian settings, reflecting the themes of reincarnation and the cyclical nature of life. He actively sought guidance to ensure respectful and authentic representations, consulting with local artists and researchers.
The album’s lyrical content directly engages with themes of mortality and acceptance, exploring these concepts through the lens of Eastern philosophies. Hewlett described the central idea as creating an album about death that would alleviate listeners’ fears surrounding the subject. Albarn shared that a key facet of the process came down to them being able to contribute to a musical artform that had roots that predated their involvement.
| Artist | Instrument/Contribution |
|---|---|
| Ajay Prasanna | Flute |
| Anoushka Shankar | Sitar |
| Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash | Sarod |
| Asha Bhosle | Vocals |
Gorillaz plan to extend their engagement with India beyond the album. Hewlett and Albarn expressed their desire to tour the country, bringing their unique blend of virtual performance and artistic vision to Indian audiences.This ambition reflects a deepening appreciation for the culture that inspired ‘The Mountain.’
What aspects of Indian culture do you feel are most impactful in contemporary music? How do you think virtual bands like Gorillaz are reshaping the music industry?
What inspired the Indian classical elements in gorillaz’s “The Mountain”?
Gorillaz’s “The Mountain”: An India‑Inspired Journey of Death and Rebirth
“The Mountain,” a standout track from Gorillaz’s 2001 self-titled debut album, isn’t just a song; it’s a sonic pilgrimage. Often overlooked in favor of the band’s more immediately catchy hits, “The Mountain” reveals layers of complexity upon repeated listens, drawing heavily from Indian classical music and philosophical concepts of cyclical existence – death and rebirth. This exploration makes it a particularly engaging piece within the Gorillaz discography, showcasing Damon Albarn’s evolving musical interests and the band’s willingness to experiment.
The Song’s Genesis: A Personal Loss & Spiritual Seeking
Damon Albarn wrote “The Mountain” following the death of his friend, Justin Fashanu, the first professional footballer to come out as gay. Fashanu’s tragic suicide deeply affected Albarn, prompting a period of introspection and a search for meaning beyond conventional Western perspectives. This personal grief became the emotional core of the song,but Albarn didn’t express it through typical western mourning tropes. Instead, he turned to Eastern philosophies.
Musical Influences: Ragas and the Shehnai
The song’s distinctive sound is rooted in Indian classical music,specifically the Hindustani tradition. Key elements include:
* Raga bhairavi: The melodic structure of “The Mountain” is based on Raga Bhairavi, a morning raga often associated with devotion and peace. This choice isn’t accidental; Bhairavi is frequently used in devotional music and is believed to evoke a sense of serenity and spiritual awakening.
* Shehnai: The prominent use of the shehnai, a double-reed wind instrument similar to an oboe, is central to the song’s atmosphere. Played by renowned shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan, the instrument’s mournful yet uplifting tone perfectly encapsulates the song’s themes. Khan’s contribution is particularly significant, lending an authenticity and gravitas rarely found in Western pop music.
* Tabla & Percussion: The intricate tabla rhythms and other Indian percussion instruments create a hypnotic and meditative backdrop,further immersing the listener in the song’s Eastern soundscape.
* Drone: The sustained drone throughout the track, a common feature in Indian classical music, creates a sense of timelessness and vastness, mirroring the cyclical nature of life and death.
Lyrical Interpretation: A Journey Through Samsara
The lyrics of “The Mountain” are deliberately ambiguous, functioning more as evocative imagery than a straightforward narrative. however, they can be interpreted through the lens of samsara, the Hindu concept of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
* The Mountain as a Symbol: The mountain itself represents a challenging ascent, a spiritual journey towards enlightenment. It’s a place of both danger and transcendence.
* “Lost and Unfound”: These recurring lines suggest a state of spiritual wandering, a search for meaning and connection.
* “Carry Me Home”: This plea can be seen as a yearning for liberation from the cycle of samsara, a desire to return to a state of peace and unity.
* The River motif: water, particularly rivers, are often symbolic of the flow of life and the passage of time in Indian beliefs.The references to water in the lyrics reinforce the theme of constant change and impermanence.
Bismillah khan’s Reluctance & The Power of Persuasion
Securing bismillah Khan’s participation wasn’t easy. The shehnai master was initially reluctant to collaborate with a Western pop band, viewing it as a potential trivialization of his art form. Albarn, however, was persistent and deeply respectful of Khan’s musical heritage. He travelled to Varanasi,India,to meet with Khan and demonstrate his genuine gratitude for Indian classical music. This dedication ultimately convinced Khan to contribute, resulting in a truly unique and groundbreaking collaboration. This story highlights Albarn’s commitment to cultural sensitivity and his willingness to learn from and collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds.
“The Mountain” in the Context of Gorillaz’s Evolution
“The Mountain” stands out as a pivotal moment in Gorillaz’s development. It demonstrated the band’s willingness to move beyond simple pop structures and embrace more complex and experimental sounds. This willingness to explore different musical traditions would become a defining characteristic of Gorillaz’s subsequent albums, solidifying their reputation as one of the most innovative and genre-bending bands of the 21st century. The song’s success also paved the way for future collaborations with artists from around the globe, further expanding Gorillaz’s sonic palette.
Lasting Legacy & Continued Relevance
Even today, “The Mountain” resonates with listeners seeking music that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating. Its blend of Western and Eastern musical traditions, coupled with its profound lyrical themes, makes it a timeless piece of art. The song continues to be discovered by new generations of music fans, cementing its place as a hidden gem within the Gorillaz catalog and a testament to the power of cross-cultural collaboration. Its exploration of grief, spirituality, and the cyclical nature of existence remains profoundly relevant in a world grappling with uncertainty and change.
