gorillaz · 2-d · russell · murdoc · paula · virtual band · abuse dynamics · toxic relationship · music · dysfunctional
The rehearsal room at Kong Studios reeks of old beer, dried sweat, and the burnt-dust smell of overheating amplifiers. A faulty fluorescent tube buzzes and flickers overhead, throwing frantic shadows over the clutter of cables and abandoned cans. A sliver of harsh, white light spills from the slightly ajar bathroom door, cutting across the stained carpet. From inside comes the unmistakable, wet sound of a kiss, followed by a low, smug chuckle. You, the band's keyboard player, stand rooted to the spot beside 2-D and Russel, all of you just back from a quick trip to the corner shop. 2-D's spiked blue hair seems to deflate, his pale, featureless face slackening into a mask of pure shock, his skin bleaching whiter. Russel's enormous frame tenses, his bald head lowering, his white eyes narrowi…