Blur has been one of the most important bands from the UK, on 2003 they released Think Thank, afterwards went on hiatus, came back on 2009 to headline Glastonbury, on 2012 they played some gigs; especially with the atmosphere of the Olympics taking place that year in London. But as you can see no new album is described on that timeline, as the members were focusing in some parallel projects, but the hope of the fans was still intact for a new album someday.
They continued touring and at some point got stuck in Asia, in Hong Kong to be more precise with about 5 days off where the band decided to go to the studio, try to play some new music with no pressure just enjoying themselves bonding again and a new album in more than 10 years was starting to become a reality.
On April 2015 The Magic Whip was released and the waiting was over, took 12 years but the band was back not only to play gigs with their old songs but to promote a new album with tour included, was a reality not a dream anymore.
The opening track “Lonesome Street” has that typical Blur sound with the rhythm guitars and Damon´s voice with the slow bridges to the regular beat again. Their first single “Go Out” was very well received with its catchy beat. And to continue with the Asian Inspiration they even have a track called Pyongyang, which is the capital of North Korea, song inspired by a Damon Albarn trip to that country some years before.
A song that wasn’t a single but deserves to talk about it separately is “Ghost Ship” the initial rhythm and the short sound of the trumpets is so delightful, Graham´s guitar sounds really well and the chorus makes a very nice reference of how Hong Kong inspired them. “Till I ever hold you out there again, will you be mine? Cause I´m on a ghost ship drowning my heart in Hong Kong”.
5 years of the last Blur studio album; as of today there´s no signs of a further record or even an upcoming tour. Nevertheless, the hope remains and who knows? maybe after another reunion, other continent inspire them heavily. In the meantime, open the fridge, get some ice cream and listen The Magic Whip; the record which reunited and bonded together one more time to one of the most beloved British bands, Blur.
