By Owen Paiva – Staff Reporter

Following the Punk era in Britain, Britpop took over the airwaves. Championing this movement was Blur, lead by frontman Damon Albarn. After dominating the 90’s with songs like “Country House” and “Girls and Boys”, the band’s last release was an album in 2003 called “Think Tank”. The band went on hiatus following guitarist Graham Coxon’s departure. In 2009, Blur went on a reunion tour, causing fans to hope for a new album. Four years later on a tour of Southeast Asia, Blur found themselves with a week off after a cancelled appearance. In this time, Blur recorded “The Magic Whip” and on April 24 it was released.

This album takes inspiration from Asian and African Music, as well as homages to previous songs. “Lonesome Street” has the energetic guitar and vibe that would make it feel right at home in their “Parklife” album. “Thought I Was a Spaceman” is a homage to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” and the character of Major Tom. “Ong Ong” is a nice homage to the discoesque vibe of “Girls and Boys” The whole album may seem on the surface to seem like an extension of Albarn’s solo album, “Everyday Robots”, but this actually shows the importance of the Blur’s band-dynamic to prevent the melancholic sound of Albarn from going to complete dreariness. This sets it apart from a lot of Blur’s previous work, while keeping some of the same vibes. This originality really makes the album stand out, and its distinct sound carries it.

The album suffers from not having multiple stand out songs like most other albums. “Lonesome Street” is the main single that is probably the best song on the album. It is the most Blur track, and feels like the older albums, giving it a nostalgic feel. “There are Too Many of Us” is the only other song that works as a single, with its electronic feel and melodic vocals.  Every other track feels like a B-Side, but that is not a bad thing, it just restricts radio airplay.

The critical acclaim of this album is mainly linked to its powerful lyrical content, and unique sound. The song “There are Too Many of Us” speaks about the growing problems of overpopulation and the lack of urgency at a solution with lyrics like “‘Cause there are too many of us, In tiny houses here and there. Just passing out somewhere But you won’t care.” While “Lonesome Street” speaks of the loneliness and depression many in the world suffer. The chorus “And if you have nobody left to rely on. I’ll hold you in my arms and let you drift. It’s got to be that time again. And June, June will be over soon again”  has a very cheery feel, when contrasted to the emptiness in the verses.

The band flawlessly mixes the Britpop feel of their earlier work, electronic feel of Albarn’s other group, Gorillaz, and the indie rock feel of Albarn’s solo album. Different tracks may sound like Britpop or may have a more indie feel, but that adds to the album’s charm.

This album is Blur and purely Blur. The only other person of note was Stephen Street, the band’s producer during their best years. This album takes new direction from the various styles of the members following the break-up, and keeps the band’s original identity and sound. Albarn’s melancholic voices, with the band’s unique sound is really a treat for the ears. For older fans, this album is a homage to the olden days, and for newer or potential fans, it provides the sound of Albarn’s solo work and the indie rock feel works for Blur. This album should be listen to by Blur fans, Gorillaz fans, fans of indie rock, and alternative fans. This album is proof of the band’s longevity and ability to adapt. With the release of this album, Albarn has also hinted at an upcoming Gorillaz album, which should excite fans.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars