Massive Attack are one of Britain’s largest dance acts of the past couple of decades and some of their hits have become immortal in the annals of musical achievement.
Despite a turbulent time during the noughties involving fights and solo projects the Bristol DJs seem to be back on a level playing field.
Having secured numerous film scores over the past few years they have combined for what is there fifth main studio LP under the Massive Attack moniker and their first since 2003’s 100th Window.
It is what you would expect from the now-double act of 3D and Daddy G following Mush’s departure in 1999 after speculative in-band fighting and possible leaking of their material to Madonna to try and get her involved with the group.
The dark and mysterious vibe of the likes of Mezzanine again rears its vicious head throughout and the vocals of Damon Albarn, Robert Del Naja and Martina Topley-Bird among others add to the mystique.
The album plays as one. Tracks often merge in to one another, and it acts as a counterweight to the similarly dark but jerky preaching of Portishead.
Those who thought the glory days were over may be proved wrong with this. While the dance scene has moved on to a more poppy feel the likes of Massive Attack still command a vast fanbase.
They work as a kind of undertone to the explosive and in-your-face booming of ‘The Prodigy’ and the like and at times could even be bracketed in the chill-out zone.
LEIGH SANDERS Rating: 3/5
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