Although Damon Albarn famously declared there would be no more new music in the future from everyone’s favourite animated band the Gorillaz, it turns out he’s changed his tune (much to our delight!), with plans made public that he’s working on a new album with animator Jamie Hewlett.

“We’re doing another Gorillaz record. We came back from summer holidays and realised we could do exactly what we wanted to do with Gorillaz,” Albarn told Canada’s CBC. “Essentially, Jamie just had to agree to draw the characters again.” It’s likely the band’s four characters will get a makeover in line with the new Gorillaz music. “I’m so fucking bored of drawing those characters,” Hewlett remarked. “But then we had a moment where we had a new angle on it.”

To date the Gorillaz have released two albums, their self-titled debut in 2001 and Demon Days in 2005. On paper, neither album should have been a commercial success, but they spawned a seminal tracks and went on to become bona fide smash hits. “I dunno. We are obtuse and quite abstract, really,” Albarn added with confidence. “We play a game but it’s not strictly the game. Sometimes it really works and sometimes… Actually, usually it really works.”

Don’t forget the Gorillaz tour Australia ‘Sound System’ style in November as part of the Global Gathering festival. Tickets are onsale now from inthemix!