After the catastrophe that was Blur cancelling their Big Day Out headline spot, Damon Albarn returns – this time with Everyday Robots, his debut solo record.
The 12 tracks pursue a visualisation of Albarn’s personality, focusing particularly on his melancholic, introspective soulful side as well as his concerns of increasing technological use in the world.
Alongside co-producer Richard Russell, Everyday Robots is intricate in its production. The former Blur frontman utilises atmospheric vocals, piano, and guitar, while Russell provides another dimension by adding the drum machine alongside the awesome use of samples. The traditional and electronic instruments are a great stylistic choice with regard to the themes of the album.
Albarn’s creativity shines in the individuality of each song. Title track ‘Everyday Robots’ opens as he sings, “We are everyday robots on our phones”, a sentiment that reflects the nature vs authority theme of the record. ‘Lonely Press Play’ is a standout, as it allows a passage into the insecurities of his mind, expressing, “When I’m lonely, I press play”.
The artist’s voice is soft and his delivery is crystal clear in each track. ‘The Selfish Giant’ extends on his loneliness and despise for technology as he wonders, “It’s hard to be a lover when the TV’s on” – offering the most well-written track on the album. The contributions from Brian Eno and Natasha Khan in their respective songs also make for creative choices.
‘Mr Tembo’ is an uplifting gospel tale about an interaction with a baby elephant. ‘Hollow Ponds’ turns back time to 1976 and wallows in self pity. Indeed, Everyday Robots shines in its introverted and vulnerable atmosphere.
This album is a detailed, reflective composition that strongly displays Albarn’s impressive songwriting and production skills.
Watch the clip to ‘Everyday Robots’ from Everyday Robots here:
