DAMON ALBARN

The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows (Transgressive)

After generous offerings throughout lockdown from Gorillaz, Damon Albarn ventures away from his eternal collaborative project with a solo set. The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows is an album with a broad palate and does not always gain focus in any particular genre. 

The title track is subtle, only partially impressive. Combustion’s dark, atonal feel leads into frenzied free jazz and shrill radio waves conjoining in a pleasant romping beat. There are several instrumental pieces, leading you to crave more Albarn’s lush, sincere vocals. 

Loving little ballad Daft Wader is a highlight, thanks to its immaculate piano backing and childlike sense of wonder. Polaris, too, stands out with its queasy opening leading to a Hammond-organ Latin beat, though quickly falls into a trap of a cheesy dance record. Despite some really swell moments from Damon Albarn, most of The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows leaves without a trace.

words JAMES ELLIS