Massive Attack : Heligoland
Released: 8th February 2010
Label: Virgin
You've got to feel a degree of sympathy for Massive Attack. Despite boasting a discography of four solid albums and no less than sixteen singles, many would happily admit they know them because of “that track. You know, the one Newton Faulkner covered”. Yet the band deserve to be remembered for so much more, and latest album Heligoland will no doubt help to achieve this.
Full of diversity, attitude and smouldering moodiness it is a real joy to behold. Still harbouring that patience and attention to detail so synonymous with Massive Attack, each track holds it's own identity card. Whilst opener “Pray For Rain” deals with the depths of despair in stripped down, pulsing fashion, “Saturday Come Slow” is positively joyful in comparison.
A bold mix of instruments holds the key to such variance, with the full range employed from growling synthesisers to whispering acoustic guitars.
“Splitting The Atom” takes the early nomination for best track, it's basic blues infused rhythms infecting the brain, complemented perfectly by a rough bass vocal. “Flat Of The Blade” proves to be it's distant electro cousin, related only by it's offbeat rhythms, clanking injections of drum machine and an erratic vocal melody adding to the somewhat chaotic mix.
Yet such is the duo's mastery that the track can be transformed in the blink of an eye. The infusion of rushing brass and an impassioned change in vocals turns it into an uplifting, resonate affair, belying it's confused, agitated beginnings.
Such impressive methods make “Paradise Circus” the stunning affair that it is, easily stealing the award for best track from under previous candidate's noses. Morphing from stripped down trip hop to a beautiful, string shimmering number bursting with emotion in seconds, there is no better example of Massive Attack's talents than here.
They might not have the renown they deserve from the general public, but listen to just five minutes of Heligoland and you will understand why that will change soon. For sheer emotion, intelligence and musical appreciation, there really is no other like them.
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