Episode two of Gorillaz’ Song Machine series has arrived. It features the vocals of France-based, Malian musician Fatoumata Diawara.
‘Désolé’ is a spirited pop song with elements of disco and soul. The lyrics are sung in both English and French. The French title translates to “sorry”. Other lyrics include “I’m a long way from land / I don’t know what to do / Try to hold onto you.”
It all ties in with the music video, which features Damon Albarn and Diawara taking a boat ride through Italy’s Lake Como. They’re joined by virtual band member 2D, and Russel Hobbs and Noodle show up later in the video. But Murdoc gets left behind in the band’s recording studio. Feeling abandoned, at one point he’s pictured balled up on the couch, crying.
Watch: Gorillaz – Désolé
Albarn and Diawara previously worked together in the supergroup Rocketjuice and the Moon. The band consisted of Albarn, drummer Tony Allen and bass player Flea. Diawara featured on the song ‘Lolo’ from the group’s debut self-titled album in 2012.
Diawara’s latest solo album was 2018’s Fenfo. The Guardian gave it four stars and named it world album of the month in May 2018. Fenfo also received a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album.
‘Désolé’ follows Song Machine episode one ‘Momentary Bliss’. The first taste of Gorillaz’ new project featured UK punk rock duo Slaves and politically charged rapper slowthai. Albarn and Remi Kabaka Jr. produced both songs. Simian Mobile Disco’s James Ford co-wrote ‘Désolé’ along with Albarn, Diawara and Kabaka Jr.
Watch: Gorillaz – Momentary Bliss
For those who need bringing up to speed, Song Machine is an ongoing music and cartoon series that’ll roll out over the course of 2020. The ‘Désolé’ video ends with the message “Up next on Song Machine” and plays a clip of what’s likely to be episode three.
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In a BBC Radio interview on the day of the project’s launch, Albarn revealed he’d been in studio with the likes of Sampa The Great and ScHoolboy Q. A couple of days after releasing ‘Momentary Bliss’, the band hinted Tame Impala would also be making an appearance on Song Machine.
