The Gorillaz and Beck have teamed up for a new song, dubbed “The Valley of Pagans,” and it’s just as energetic and experimental as the musicians’ own respective oeuvres. And, not only does the track rock like “Devil’s Haircut” and rattle rumps like “Feel Good Inc.,” but it also has a smashing Grand Theft Auto-style music video. Watch it below if you feel like going for one Beck of a ride.
The Gorillaz recently posted the “Pagans” music video to its YouTube channel. For those who haven’t been keeping up with the animated crew, it’s been producing a lot of new content. Specifically new songs and videos as a part of its Song Machine series, of which “Pagans” is only the latest.
As for the track itself, it beautifully blends both the Gorillaz’ and Beck’s unique euphonic flavors. Although, while Beck’s chorus, consisting of the couplet “It feels so good to have a perfect soul,” and “It feels so good to be in total control,” is undoubtedly jamming, it’s somewhat grim in this context. This context being a thinly veiled take on the world of the vice-tastic action-adventure game, Grand Theft Auto.
Gorillaz
Speaking of which, the music video appears to be a wild, automotive romp through—some version—of Los Angeles. (There are obvious L.A. landmarks in the video, such as the Griffith Observatory and the Santa Monica pier.) And while the drive through the city isn’t nearly as violent as actually playing GTA, it’s still exciting. Especially since it feels like watching the video means we get to ride along with Gorillaz virtual band members, Stuart “2-D” Pot, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs, for what feels like a getaway drive.
Gorillaz
Anyone looking for more Song Machine videos should check out the Gorillaz YouTube channel. “Season one” of Song Machine, an album consisting of 11 of the band’s latest tracks, also went on sale in late October.
Feature image: Gorillaz
