Monkey Journey to the West by: Liam Tracey Tue:30-Sep-08 Label: XL Year: 2008 WB rating 80 out of 100

Many Gorillaz fans have probably been wondering of late what their favourite experimentalists have been doing with themselves. Damon Albarn seemingly loves to try new things, The Good The Bad and The Queen project of last year highlighting another bow in an increasingly impressive career. But for those fans of Albarn in his more electronic bent, it’s been a decent wait with Demon Days back in 2005 – the collection of D-Sides that appeared along the way hardly counting.

It’s for this reason that many might expect Monkey: Journey to the West to portray many Gorillaz moments. However, one listen of Journey to the West will reveal, without doubt, that this project is something entirely new for Jamie Hewett and Damon Albarn. Based on an operatic production that’s already graced stages throughout the UK, France and the USA, Journey to the West soundtracks a 16th Century Chinese story-cum-legend, along with numerous elements of traditional Chinese folk and opera music, into today’s Western market. It’s true, the 70s television series Monkey Magic already brought the tale out of the East – in fact, Albarn quotes it as a primary influence over his opera – but this record is something new entirely, reviving a new generation with its fascinating tale.

Traditional Chinese elements are the key motivator of Journey to the West. Musically, Chinese tradition is reflected in Albarn’s compositions throughout the album’s consistent usage of the pentatonic scale – one of Chinese music’s oldest building blocks. From this foundation, Albarn adds his own flavour without diverting too far from the project’s roots. The result is something truly wonderful, as the traditional view is given a modern wash of electronic elements that take Monkey on a rather literal journey to the West. The urban sound effects sampled in the opening number ‘Monkey’s World’ reflect a modernised form, as do the electronic elements that are subtly introduced in the beginning moments. Electronic alterations do not detract from the music’s heart though, and Albarn’s magic allows them to meld into the percussive backdrop as though they belong.

Throughout the album, electronics appear and disappear without ever scarring the sound –‘Out of the Eastern Sea’ is particularly commendable. Perhaps the biggest risk appears in ‘Into the Eastern Sea,’ where almost Nintendo sound effects overtake the instrumentation, though even works when taking the theme of modernisation into account. Thoughts that such modifications might create a Gorillaz-esque appearance do occur in the earlier moments that jump back and forth with reminiscent vocal snippets, but these ideas are very quickly dismissed.

The operatic nature and Chinese lineage of the album are punctuated by the album’s Chinese singers. A handful of tracks appear amongst the instrumental majority, employing this native tongue. ‘The Living Sea’ and ‘Heavenly Peach Banquet’ are among the few with female vocalists, providing gentler moments and somewhat of a more popular approach. However, a clearly defining moment for Journey to the West is the inclusion of a 60-piece choir on ‘March of Iron Army’. The power enough to impress the non-believers of this project and is by far the record’s highlight.

On a smaller note, comedy plays a role in Journey to the West in a subtle, rewarding way. The march-like instrumentation and characterisation in ‘The Dragon King’ set up a stereotyped villain that is a cack. The bouncy ‘I Love Buddha’s quirky nature creeps up, as if out of nowhere, before the more serious moments push it aside and begin to conclude the album. Altogether, these brief comic moments – strategically positioned – provide cheerful asides for the listener amongst a more serious aesthetic.

Journey to the West is a brave project for Albarn and Hewett. The record will by no means immediately appeal to their existing fans, existing well outside the realms of any of their previous work. But those who forget Albarn’s pedigree will find the album a rewarding and successful experience.