The virtual band Gorillaz launched their new album titled 'The Mountain' today, along with an animated short film that showcases themes from the album. The short film features tracks like 'The Mountain', 'The Moon Cave', and 'The Sad God', packaged into a colorful 8-minute animation directed by Jamie Hewlett, Max Taylor, and Tim McCourt. This piece pays homage to the golden age of 2D animation, vividly bringing to life the band's unique artistic style.

In the animated short, the character Noodle, now portrayed as an adult, embarks on a journey reminiscent of Mowgli from Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book', drawing visual influences from Disney's 1967 version. With a distinctive aesthetic, Noodle is seen running barefoot through a fantastical jungle, dressed in a red cloak, and encountering a flying dragon, which is a nod to traditional Asian culture. The narrative weaves in several beloved characters as Noodle reunites with her bandmates 2D, Murdoch, and Russell along their adventurous path.

As the storyline develops, the group encounters iconic figures such as the snake Kaa and tiger Shere Khan, culminating in their ascent to the top of a mountain where they uncover its treasures. However, they choose to overlook these riches, suggesting a thematic exploration of value and meaning beyond material wealth. The release and accompanying short film encapsulate Gorillaz's innovative narrative style, blending music and visual storytelling in a manner that resonates with both new listeners and long-time fans alike.