Damon Albarn releases New Song 'Gumbri' with Kaktus Einarsson

Damon Albarn has recently released a new single with "Gumbri" by Kaktus Einarsson feat. Damon Albarn's wispy vocals. "Gumbri" is a collaborative track by Icelandic musician Kaktus Einarsson and British artist Damon Albarn, released in September 2024.

The song serves as the lead single from Einarsson's second album, Lobster Coda, which was released on October 25, 2024. 

The collaboration between Einarsson and Albarn is rooted in a longstanding professional relationship. At 15, Einarsson played the trumpet on Gorillaz's track "Stop The Dams," and later contributed to Albarn's solo debut, Everyday Robots. 

"Gumbri" marks their first joint effort as solo artists. Musically, "Gumbri" blends introspective lyrics with a groovy instrumental backdrop. The accompanying music video features both artists in a natural setting, engaging in activities like lounging among trees and feeding chickens, complementing the song's reflective tone. 

The track is available on various streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.

About Kaktus Einarsson

Kaktus Einarsson, a visionary musician and artist from Iceland, has carved out a distinct place in the music world with his bold fusion of genres. Growing up in Reykjavík, he started his musical path remarkably early, joining the experimental electronic group Ghostigital at just 10 years old. Later, he became the frontman of the post-punk band Fufanu, a role that earned him opportunities to share the stage with major acts like Radiohead and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

In 2021, Kaktus embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album, Kick the Ladder, which showcased his innovative blend of electronic, classical, and pop influences. This was followed by Lobster Coda in 2024, an album enriched with collaborations from notable artists, including Damon Albarn, Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir from Of Monsters and Men, and School of X’s Rasmus Littauer. 

Kaktus's artistic journey is marked by unique partnerships and memorable contributions. He played trumpet on Gorillaz's track "Stop The Dams" at just 15 and contributed to Damon Albarn's solo album, Everyday Robots. His music is a testament to his fearless exploration and dedication to pushing creative boundaries.

Listen to 'Gumbri' below 

Gumbri lyrics

[Verse 1: Kaktus Einarsson] 

Wake up every morning without an alarm that I can snooze 

Try to maintain tempo with a one plus three we've managed to defuse 

A life of surprises in a bevel full of joy 

There are different rooms with different roads 

Amongst the tourists I hide, grab a fresh bread bun to go 

Try to write some happy songs, but it makes me feel so wrong 

I am privileged, I've known for long 

But there are different roads to different moods

[Chorus: Damon Albarn & Kaktus Einarsson] 

Living on the edge embrace a unique self 

You saw in my palm with every sun that sets I drift and roam a subtle flow 

As the world reveals its truths one by one I start to feel where my life needs to go 

[Verse 2: Kaktus Einarsson] 

Dance in the club as daybreak claims the sky again 

A labyrinth of chambers it’s pounding the kick drum though my head 

A real time spectrum every door a check 

There are different rooms with different roads 

Dreams of the cruise ship life sailing into old its old 

Alive and anchored in a bubble that simply stays afloat 

Is that something for me, I cannot know 

There are different rooms with different moods

[Chorus: Damon Albarn & Kaktus Einarsson] 

Living on the edge embrace a unique self 

You saw in my palm with every sun that sets I drift and roam a subtle flow 

As the world reveals its truths one by one I start to feel where my life needs to go 

Living on the edge embrace a unique self 

You saw in my palm with every sun that sets 

I drift and roam a subtle flow

As the world reveals its truths one by one 

I start to feel where my life needs to go 

As the world reveals its truth one by one 

I start to feel where my life needs to go