Damon Albarn and Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen have a rather lengthy history together. Allen drummed for the Albarn-led supergroups The Good, the Bad & the Queen and Rocket Juice & the Moon, and they also collaborated on Allen’s solo album Home Cooking and Albarn’s Africa Express project. Today, the duo reunite for “Go Back”, the first track off Allen’s upcoming album Film of Life.
Featuring Albarn on lead vocals and keyboard, “Go Back” occupies a space that’s practically timeless. The medley of rich horns, sly guitar work, and steady drums is clearly indebted to soul and funk of the ’70s, but there’s also a certain, almost intangible sense of futurism to the groove. Makes sense, though, as Allen and Albarn have come together to blend ideas and sensibilities despite dissimilar backgrounds and career paths.
Listen in below:
Film of Life is due out sometime in October via Jazz Village. Below, watch a short teaser trailer for the album:
