The Fall

A gritty return to form as the band reunites on a desolate world.

The Fall stands as the fifth studio album by the virtual band Gorillaz, released in the spring of 2018. It marks a pivotal moment in the group's history, signaling the reunion of the four core members after a period of separation and individual adventures depicted in previous phases. This project reestablished the quartet's dynamic within the narrative timeline, blending their signature eclectic sound with darker, more industrial themes. The accompanying visuals returned to a textured animation style that emphasized the gritty reality of their fictional world.

Last updated 2026-09-29 from the source article.

Quick Facts

Artist

Gorillaz

Released

25 December 2010

Recorded

3 October – 3 November 2010

Genre

Lo-fi; electronic

Length

43:28

Label

Parlophone
Virgin
EMI

Producer

Gorillaz; Stephen Sedgwick

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

Following the chaotic events of the previous era, the members found themselves scattered across different locations and timelines. The narrative arc leading into this period suggested that Murdoc Niccals had lost control over the group's direction, forcing them apart for their own safety. However, circumstances eventually drew them back together on a barren planet often referred to as Gorillaz Planet. This reunion was not without tension. While 2-D and Noodle sought stability, Murdoc continued his schemes involving corporate exploitation and music industry manipulation. Russel Hobbs acted as the anchor, grounding the group amidst the chaos of their new environment. The album's story reflects the struggle to maintain artistic integrity while navigating a world that seeks to commodify them. It confirms that despite their differences and past conflicts, the band remains bound together by a shared legacy and an unbreakable musical connection.

Reader's Guide

The album serves as the fifth studio release for the virtual band, marking a significant narrative return after years of separation among the members. Visually, the project reintroduces a grittier aesthetic compared to previous eras, grounding the characters in a desolate, industrial environment known as Gorillaz Planet. The music videos function as narrative chapters; the title track depicts a chaotic music festival where law enforcement intervenes while the band performs on a floating stage above the crowd. Another single highlights collaboration and style over substance, contrasting with the darker themes of corporate greed found elsewhere in the record. Thematically, the work explores the tension between artistic integrity and commercial exploitation. Murdoc Niccals returns to his manipulative role, driving the plot forward through schemes that endanger the group's unity once again. Despite this, the album confirms the quartet is back together, resolving the uncertainty left by their previous adventures. Its release reinvigorated fan interest in the ongoing storyline, bridging the gap between the Humanz era and future developments. The project solidified the band's longevity within the music industry while maintaining its unique animated storytelling tradition.

Track listing

No.	Title	Length
1	Phoner to Arizona	4:14
2	Revolving Doors	3:26
3	Hillbilly Man	3:50
4	Detroit	2:03
5	Shy-Town	2:54
6	Little Pink Plastic Bags	3:09
7	The Joplin Spider	3:22
8	The Parish of Space Dust	2:25
9	The Snake in Dallas	2:11
10	Amarillo	3:24
11	The Speak It Mountains	2:14
12	Aspen Forest	2:50
13	Bobby in Phoenix (featuring Bobby Womack)	3:16
14	California and the Slipping of the Sun	3:24
15	Seattle Yodel	0:38
Total length		43:28

Track listing from the source article.

Did You Know?

This album marks the first time the original quartet was fully reunited following their narrative separation in previous phases.
The visual style for this era returned to a darker, more textured animation approach reminiscent of the group's early days.
Music videos were released prior to the full album drop to build anticipation and advance the storyline.