The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Herculean

LA RECENSIONE

The Good The Bad and The Queen is a super-band formed by Damon Albarn (Blur/Gorillaz), Paul Simonon (Clash), Simon Tong (Verve), and Tony Allen (Fela Kuti/Africa 70).

It is presented as a parallel project orchestrated by the Blur singer and founder of the virtual band Gorillaz. Besides Albarn's presence, Simonon plays a significant role, the historical bassist of a now legendary band that rewrote and expanded the punk genre like no other in the '70s, who hadn't participated in a project since the dissolution of the Clash. During the first recordings (way back in 2002), only Albarn, Tong, and Allen were present; the bassist joined only in 2004 after being fascinated by the group's recordings.

Their debut album will be released on January 22, 2007; meanwhile, on October 26, the band held its first live performance during an event organized by the BBC at the Roundhouse in Camden, receiving good reviews. On the 31st of the same month, this "Herculean" was released. The main characteristic of this single was that it was put on sale only for one day and then withdrawn from (non-digital) catalogs: a strange choice, certainly not of a commercial nature (the single still managed to reach #22 on the UK Chart).

But now let's talk about music; they define themselves as Alternative/Punk/Afro-Beat. Let's say they're right, but "Herculean" certainly doesn't have a devastating impact. It's between the latest Blur and certain Clash, you can hear (even if distantly) echoes of the Verve and the classic atmosphere of Coldplay's latest songs, all spiced up with Tony Allen's Afro percussion. The track is thus a fusion of all the bands the members have played in. There is a noticeable production (signed by Danger Mouse), at first it doesn't convince you, but it gains value every time you listen to it again (somewhat like all the songs from Blur's latest album, 'Think Tank') and finally heralds a very promising, very English album. In short, not a masterpiece but definitely a valid piece.

The second track of the single is the instrumental "Back in the Day," which sounds like a classic B-Side of Albarn's "real" band. As for the other B-side ("Mr Whippy"), it's better to cover it with a veil of pity, as it seems like the worst Gorillaz discard, perhaps ruined by too massive and exaggerated production. And to think that performed live (I had the honor of listening to the concert), it was much better, and Eslam Jawaad's rap was more energetic and functional.

In conclusion, overall the single deserves 3 stars, but I give it four on trust.