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

Where Are The Blur Members Now?

From Britpop legends to diverse adventurers, the members of Blur have charted unique paths since their '90s heyday.

As of 2024, the members of the iconic Britpop band Blur have been engaged in various individual projects and activities, following their recent band activities.

Damon Albarn, Blur's charismatic frontman, has been particularly active in various musical endeavors. After Blur's first reunion in years and the release of their latest album "The Ballad Of Darren," Albarn announced a break for the band. He has hinted at concentrating on an opera set to be presented in Paris and is also planning to work on a new Gorillaz album, following the success of 2023's "Cracker Island," which featured collaborations with several big names in the music industry.

After the recent reunion and release of their album "The Ballad of Darren," Albarn has announced that Blur will be going on hiatus. He expressed that continuing with Blur at this point is "too much" for him, although he didn't rule out the possibility of reuniting with the band in the future. His decision reflects a desire not to dwell on the past but to explore new creative avenues.

Graham Coxon, the band's guitarist, has also been involved in his own projects. Apart from his contributions to Blur, Coxon has a reputation for his solo work, which showcases his versatility as a musician and an artist. He has released solo albums that highlight his expansive musical range beyond the Britpop genre that Blur is famous for​.

Alex James, Blur's bassist, has taken a unique path post-Blur. Known for his distinct style and musical prowess during the band's heyday, James has ventured into the world of food. He started a cheesemaking business and became a food writer for The Times. This transition from music to gastronomy showcases his diverse interests and talents beyond the music industry​.

Dave Rowntree, the drummer, has explored a different kind of public service following his music career. He became a Norfolk City Council member and has made attempts to gain a parliamentary seat in various constituencies. He also obtained a law degree after his time at Blur. This move into politics indicates his interest in public service and community involvement, diverging significantly from his musical background​.

As you can see, the members of Blur have each taken distinct paths following their success in the band. While they have come together occasionally for music, their individual pursuits reflect a broad range of interests and talents, from operatic compositions and graphic novels to cheesemaking and politics.

Their varied careers are a testament to their versatility and ability to reinvent themselves beyond the realm of Britpop.

Blur To Go On Hiatus Again , Frustrating Fans

Following their latest reunion and the release of "The Ballad of Darren," their ninth studio album, Blur is entering another hiatus. Damon Albarn, the frontman of Blur, in a recent interview with Les Inrockuptibles, a French magazine reported by Far Out Magazine, remarked, “It is time to wrap up this campaign. It’s too much for me. It was the right thing to do and an immense honor to play these songs again, spend time with these guys, make an album, blah-blah-blah.”

This statement follows the band's final live performances in South America last month. Blur, which features Graham Coxon on guitar, Alex James on bass, and Dave Rowntree on drums, has been a significant presence in the music scene.

Despite this pause, Albarn left a window open for Blur's future, as he mentioned to Les Inrockuptibles, “I’m not saying I won’t do it again; it was a beautiful success, but I’m not dwelling on the past.”

For fans, the news of Blur's hiatus must be a mix of disappointment and frustration. Just when they were reveling in the band's resurgence and new rhythms, this pause feels like an abrupt halt to the euphoria. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, from high anticipation to a sudden, uneasy quiet.

The band initially disbanded in 2003 and has since reunited occasionally for shows in the U.K. and internationally, starting in 2009. Reflecting on their recent reunion and new album, Alex James told Rolling Stone, “Blur has always been an effortless, joyous, weightless kind of experience… All the years in the world fall away, and it’s just the four of us and the music in the room, and nothing’s changed since that first rehearsal 35 years ago.”

Who knows when Blur might pull another surprise album out of the blue? Their history of unexpected comebacks keeps fans on their toes, sparking a thrilling sense of unpredictability.

In addition to Blur's activities, Albarn shared with the French magazine his upcoming projects, including an opera set to premiere in Paris next year and a new collaboration with Jamie Hewlett in India for a forthcoming Gorillaz album.

Meanwhile, guitarist Coxon is preparing to tour the U.K. with The Waeve, his project with Rose Elinor Dougall. They are scheduled to open for Elbow during their 2024 U.K. arena tour.