This is a fantastic collaboration between the late, great Tony Allen and Damon Albarn. Personally, I think the song evokes a very unusual and unsettling feeling. Musically, the combination of Allen's incredible drumming and Albarn's straightforward vocal delivery blend seamlessly, with added ska elements, notably the trombone giving it a very contemporary feel. The rhythm section drives the song forward beautifully, with the bass locking in perfectly with the drums. The lyrics unfold as a dynamic mesh of metaphorical expression.
I interpret the song as exploring a deep sense of disconnection and feeling adrift, potentially caused by the idea or notion of returning to something—be it a relationship or a certain situation. The complexities of these emotions seem to create a profound sense of displacement and imbalance. It feels like a struggle with one's past, where the negativity of memories causes significant distress. The song evokes a sense of contemplation, reflection, and regret, placing the listener in a similarly unsettled space, leaving you to draw your own conclusions on what feels like a very conflicted space.
Initially, I was drawn to the chorus lines, "what a mark gonna do if you, if you go back." On an intuitive level, this led me to feel that the song addresses loss and the necessity of letting go for the sake of personal salvation. Returning to the past will also bring unwanted goods.
The song feels as if it emerged from a small, spontaneous idea rather than a preconceived vision, reflecting the effortless nature of Tony Allen’s drumming. It’s a track I often revisit, and it seems to take on new qualities with each listen. I’m still deciphering its full meaning, but it continues to resonate differently on any given day.
Damon Albarn's collaborations always feel like there is a distinct and meaningful idea/message/quality that is being delivered, it never feels laboured and it always feel like something that was worthwhile. Its amazing he seems to be able to achieve this with the vast array of artists he has worked with. This is right up there.
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