ARTIST:
Massive Attack


ALBUM:
Heligoland


KEY TRACKS:
Paradise Circus
Pray for Rain
Saturday Come Slow
Girl I Love You


"But we like it when we're spinning in his grip"




Over the years I've listened to a whole lot of Massive Attack.  I mean a whole lot of Massive Attack.  So when I first heard this album I was somewhat shocked.  Of course, there are classic dark and gloomy undertones present throughout the album (it wouldn't be Massive Attack without them) but there's a certain lightness that's present here that I haven't exactly noticed in previous albums.  


Unlike MA's previous efforts like Mezzanine or Blue Lines, the beats aren't so heavy, the synths aren't as intense (save for Girl I Love You), and the lyrics aren't as breathless.  And so what remains is a booming orchestral sound not quite characteristic of these artists.  Although different, it's definitely a welcome and exciting change.  

Massive Attack in Concert

The hands-down standout track for me on the album is Paradise Circus.  (Many people probably recognize this from the famous strip club scene in TrueBlood season 3.)  The use of fluttering hand claps instead of traditional beats make this a unique track from the start.  All the while, the crisp piano notes interject every now and then to culminate the freshest sounding track I've heard in a while.  


But for me the true gem of the album is the opener Pray for Rain.  Now I'm a big TV on the Radio fan so the moment I heard lead singer Tunde Adebimpe's familiar croon I was intrigued.  This track builds and builds, making it the perfect opening track to set the tone of the album, until it bursts into perhaps the loveliest 45 seconds  I have ever heard.  The harmonics of 4:22 onward on this track are such a triumph that it is reason enough to love this album.


Lastly, Saturday Come Slow is a trip back to the familiar side of Massive Attack.  A bit sad, yet the strength and presence of the vocals here are mesmerizing.  This entrancing, enveloping sound is what has made Massive Attack both famous AND distinct.  Of the many electronic bands out there, Massive Attack is one of the few that have a defining sound.  
I've always liked Massive Attack, but I love this album. 

LISTEN NOW:  Pray for Rain  |  Paradise Circus  |  Girl I Love You  |  Saturday Come Slow

NEXT WEEK:  Noah and the Whale "The First Days of Spring"