Damon Albarn’s virtual band Gorillaz has dropped a new song, “The Pink Phantom,” via video format. The song will form part of the upcoming album “Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez” which is slated to drop on October 23. 

Produced by Eva Dahlqvist, who also produced the visuals for the rest of the “Song Machine” tracks, the song features cartoon animations, holographic visuals, and soft psychedelic patterns. Elton John is of course animated into the video alongside the band, however 6LACK surprises the audience by embodying a futuristic, holographic figure. 

The Gorillaz – style ballad seamlessly blends Elton’s iconic pop/glam rock style with 6LACK’s subtle autotune embellishments. Each artist brings their own craft to the song and it works really well. 

“I was in the studio in London and he was at the other end in Devon, but even remotely it was such an engaging and creative process,” says Elton John via a statement. “I’ve always loved Damon because he encompasses so many different sorts of music. He has his fingers in so many pies and although he’s achieved so much, he never sits still creatively. He’s constantly pushing forward and embracing the new, which is admirable and rare.” 

The band has been dropping tracks and official lyric videos for months in anticipation of this album. It will feature artists such as Schoolboy Q, St. Vincent, Beck, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, JPEGMAFIA, CHAI, and others. 

You can also catch a  live performance of the entire album via a global live stream from December 12 – 13. You can purchase your tickets to the event here. 

Watch the video for “The Pink Phantom” below: