IT DOESN'T seem like 16 years since the revolutionary 'virtual band' Gorillaz were first thrust upon the world, but, amazingly, it is.

Humanz marks the cartoon supergroup's first release in seven years, since 2010's The Fall, and while the style is very much the same blend of electronic R&B, rap and hip hop, Humanz feels like something of a darker tone than before.

While tracks like On Melancholy Hill - despite its name - has an upbeat melody, the majority feel angrier, suggesting it could be Damon Albarn et al's response to the political times in which we live. Amusing interlude The Non-conformist Oath is a perfect example of this.

Musically, there's no mistaking Gorillaz' sound; Submission in particular has shouty rap, melodic vocals for the chorus and electronic beats throughout, while Ascension is annoyingly catchy, despite being ostensibly a collection of words and themes you shouldn't sing in public.

There are guest appearances too, although nothing quite so striking as Shaun Ryder on Dare, Gruff Rhys on Superfast Jellyfish or the amazing Bobby Womack on Stylo. However, the appearance of Grace Jones on Charger - essentially a three-and-a-half minute electronic improvised jam - is surprisingly fun.

Momentz is a standout, while Sex Murder Party veers dangerously close to a Flight Of The Conchords parody song but remains moody and better than the title suggests.

If you're a Gorillaz fan, it's exactly what you're looking for - although slightly less memorable than their earlier work - but if you've always been a little indifferent to the band, then there's little here to change your mind.

Still, Humanz is a solid album, with some great songs, and considering the huge number of tracks it doesn't overstay its welcome, an easy background listen that still warrants closer attention.