Empire Ants

Recorded at Studio 13 in London during sessions for Plastic Beach. Damon Albarn worked with Little Dragon members Yukimi Nagano, Fredrik Wallin, Hakan Wirenstrand and Erik Bodin, with Jason Cox and Stephen Sedgwick handling recording and programming. The track became one of the most acclaimed collaborations on Plastic Beach, pairing Albarn's subdued opening with Little Dragon's brighter electronic second half. Critics highlighted Nagano's performance and the song's dramatic structural shift. The song remains a fan favourite from Plastic Beach and a defining Gorillaz collaboration with Little Dragon. Its later live performances and dancefloor edits extended its reach beyond the album.