7/10

If there is any album that has been the most anticipated of the year so far, it is this one. After originally disbanding after the release of their 2011 album 'The Fall', Gorillaz non-antimated members Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett finally confirmed what we had suspected after releasing the Benjamin Clementine collaboration 'Hallelujah Money' at the end of last year. Gorillaz were back and their first album in six years, 'Humanz', certainly aims to make an impact.

What can definitely be said about this new release is that is certainly isn't like any previous Gorillaz full-length to date. While their back catalogue is filled with a succinct and original hip-hop sound, 'Humanz' aims to take a more commercial route as it seems to serve up vehicle after vehicle to suite whoever happens to be appear on the track. Vince Staples' 'Ascension' serves him a high-tempo rap cut, while Popcaan's turn on 'Saturn Barz' sees him occupying a vocoder on a dancehall-inspired vibe.

In all, 'Humanz' is less of an album by one group and more a compilation of various influences and styles. Which on paper sounds fantastic, by in reality ends up with more misses than a return like this can afford. While it is great to have them back, it would have been nice for them to stick to the cohesive direction their previous work was known for.