Gorillaz return with island-themed CD

CEBU, Philippines - After five silent years, the 2-D virtual ensemble giants, Gorillaz, are back.

Following 2005’s “Demon Days,” they return — and get nautical — with an ambitious, island-themed third effort, “Plastic Beach.” It’s a smooth ride through a variety of sonic canals, from pop to soul to electronica. Signature Gorillaz can be found on mellow tracks like “Rhinestone Eyes,” which boasts electronic gurgles, and the mellifluous, low vocals of semi-anonymous frontman, Damon Albarn, formerly of Blur.

However, there is some unexpected spice added to this island cocktail by a legion of guest artists, such as Snoop Dogg, De La Soul and Bobby Womack. Mos Def dishes up a fresh flow for the electro-centric anthem “Stylo,” combining elements of techno and soul. Even Lou Reed finds his tech-voice, flanked by drum machines and pro-tooled squeals, on the uptempo, piano chord-tinged “Some Kind of Nature.” It’s pop-fusion of the highest order, but nothing especially new.

While Gorillaz aren’t exactly occupying exotic territory on “Plastic Beach,” at least the ride is enjoyable.

CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: Consisting of teeth-grinding screeches, Morse Code and the semiconscious vocals of The Falls’ Mark E. Smith, “Glitter Freeze” somehow distorts cacophony into an ear-pleasing arrangement. It’s sonic equivalent of liking the smell of gasoline: generally noxious, but somewhat delightful.