The virtual world of Gorillaz is expanding once more, though not in the way fans might have initially hoped. Although a full-length feature film once seemed within reach, the animated band has announced a novel project: The Mountain, The Moon Cave And The Sad God, a short film slated for release on February 27th, coinciding with the launch of their upcoming album, The Mountain. This announcement arrives after the cancellation of a Netflix movie project that had been in development for several years.
The news of the scrapped Netflix film, first reported in 2023, came directly from Gorillaz co-creator Damon Albarn, who explained that Netflix shifted its content strategy, leading to the project’s demise. Albarn told publications that the streaming giant “started to panic because they were making too much content and decided to cut back on their movie offerings.” Despite the disappointment, the band is pivoting to deliver a new visual experience to accompany their latest musical endeavor. The short film promises a journey into the sonic landscape of The Mountain, with the title itself drawing directly from tracks featured on the album.
A Foreboding Journey into The Mountain
A 30-second teaser released alongside the announcement offers a glimpse into the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The clip depicts the Gorillaz band members navigating a dense, increasingly menacing jungle. A haunting voiceover sets a tone of impending doom, stating, “The Gorillaz went in search of something, but something was searching for them, at the top of… The Mountain. A journey that should have been a dream soon became a nightmare. They wanted to shoot a movie, but now, they are the movie. There is no way down… The Mountain. At the top of The Mountain, they are at the bottom of the food chain. Don’t go up… The Mountain. It’s a jungle out there.” The teaser effectively builds anticipation and suggests a narrative that blends adventure with psychological thriller elements.
Exploring the Musical Landscape of The Mountain
The Mountain album, set for release on February 27th, boasts an impressive array of collaborators. The tracklist reveals features from a diverse group of artists, including Dennis Hopper, Ajay Prasanna, Anoushka Shankar, Asha Puthli, Bobby Womack, Black Thought, Sparks, Tony Allen, Bizarrap, Idles, Omar Souleyman, Yasiin Bey and many more. This collaborative spirit is a hallmark of Gorillaz’s musical approach, blending genres and perspectives to create a unique sonic experience. The album’s title track, “The Mountain,” is just one of several songs that will be visually explored in the upcoming short film, alongside “The Moon Cave” and “The Sad God.”
The album’s tracklist offers a glimpse into the eclectic soundscape fans can expect. From the fusion of Indian classical music with hip-hop on tracks featuring Anoushka Shankar to the punk energy brought by Idles, The Mountain promises a dynamic and genre-bending listening experience. The inclusion of artists like the late Tony Allen, a renowned Afrobeat drummer, adds a poignant layer to the project. The album is released via Kong, the band’s long-standing record label.
A Global Tour to Support The Mountain
Alongside the album and short film, Gorillaz has announced an extensive tour schedule for 2026. The tour kicks off with two shows in Los Angeles on February 22nd and 23rd, before heading to the United Kingdom and Europe. The band will perform at prominent venues such as Co-op Live in Manchester and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The European leg of the tour includes appearances at several major festivals, including Primavera Sound in Barcelona and Rock Werchter in Belgium. The tour demonstrates the band’s continued commitment to live performance and connecting with fans worldwide.
The tour schedule also includes dates in several other countries, including Croatia, Greece, Italy, Denmark, and Kazakhstan, showcasing the band’s global appeal. Select dates will feature support from the Argentinian rapper Trueno, while others will include a performance by Sparks. The extensive tour schedule underscores the anticipation surrounding the release of The Mountain and the band’s continued relevance in the music industry.
Tracklist Breakdown: The Mountain
Here’s a complete listing of the tracks featured on the upcoming album:
- 1. “The Mountain” Feat. Dennis Hopper, Ajay Prasanna, Anoushka Shankar, Amaan Ali Bangash, and Ayaan Ali Bangash
- 2. “The Moon Cave” Feat. Asha Puthli, Bobby Womack, Dave Jolicoeur, Jalen Ngonda, and Black Thought
- 3. “The Happy Dictator” Feat. Sparks
- 4. “The Hardest Thing” Feat. Tony Allen
- 5. “Orange County” Feat. Bizarrap, Kara Jackson, and Anoushka Shankar
- 6. “The God Of Lying” Feat. Idles
- 7. “The Empty Dream Machine” Feat. Black Thought, Johnny Marr, and Anoushka Shankar
- 8. “The Manifesto” Feat. Trueno and Proof
- 9. “The Plastic Guru” Feat. Johnny Marr and Anoushka Shankar
- 10. “Delirium” Feat. Mark E. Smith
- 11. “Damascus” Feat. Omar Souleyman and Yasiin Bey
- 12. “The Shadowy Light” Feat. Asha Bhosle, Gruff Rhys, Ajay Prasanna, Amaan Ali Bangash, and Ayaan Ali Bangash
- 13. “Casablanca” Feat. Paul Simonon and Johnny Marr
- 14. “The Sweet Prince” Feat. Ajay Prasanna, Johnny Marr, and Anoushka Shankar
- 15. “The Sad God” Feat. Black Thought, Ajay Prasanna, and Anoushka Shankar
While the cancellation of the Netflix movie was undoubtedly a setback, the release of The Mountain album and accompanying short film demonstrates Gorillaz’s continued creativity and adaptability. Fans can glance forward to a multi-faceted experience that combines music, visuals, and live performance. The band’s ability to evolve and embrace new mediums ensures their enduring appeal in the ever-changing landscape of contemporary music.
The release of The Mountain on February 27th marks the next chapter in the Gorillaz saga, and fans eagerly await the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world the band has created. Maintain an eye on the official Gorillaz website for further updates and exclusive content.
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