Originally set to be a collaborative album between Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz) and producer Danger Mouse. the 2007 record The Good, the Bad & The Queen instead featured a supergroup composed of Albarn, Danger Mouse, Paul Simonon (The Clash), Simon Tong (Blur, The Verve) and Nigerian drummer Tony Allen (Fela Kuti).

Consequence of Sound reports that Gorillaz’ Humanz is not the only return release we should expect to see from Albarn, as previous rumors regarding David Bowie producer Tony Visconti joining the team have now been confirmed true. “We’re about two thirds of the way through and taking a break, as Damon is off on a Gorillaz tour,” Visconti said in an interview with The Irish Times, “but we will resume in April and it will be probably be out before next Christmas. It’s a great album and I think people will be very impressed with it.”

Albarn had previously described the upcoming project, rumored to be released at the end of this year, as a “bizzare” “ode to the North of England.” No news as to an official release date yet however, as Albarn is also working on the next Gorillaz album, his next solo record, and the big Blur comeback all at the same time as The Good, the Bad & The Queen.

Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat