Album Fourteen: Massive Attack

Guest Editor: Pete Ritchie

My first introduction to Mezzanine was through the song 'Teardrop'. It definitely was, and still is to a naturally lesser extent a very popular play for music channels and radio.
It won MTV Europe Music Award for Best Video, and has been featured in several TV series, including 'House' and 'Prison Break'.

I find it incredibly powerful, and chilling.

Another great song on the album is 'Angel'; I remember listening to it while running. It is suspenseful, dramatic and dark. The video is also excellent; it has been interpreted to
signify confronting your fears. The distorted bassy sound that builds and builds evokes anxiety, but grips you.

This distortion continues in 'Risingson'. The sound is typical for Massive Attack, whose music is influenced by several genres: Dub, Reggae and Hip-Hop. They essentially pioneered Trip-Hop, and alongside
Portishead are the biggest band in the genre. The Reggae influence can be particularly heard on the collaborations with Jamaican singer and songwriter 'Horace Andy'. He features on 'Angel' and 'Man Next Door'.

'Man Next Door' takes you on a heavy, immersive journey.

For me, the best song on the album is 'Dissolved Girl'. Mysterious vocals, and a well crafted bass melody amazingly fit the theme of the rest of the album.

The calming ambience of 'Exchange', almost feels like sarcastic humour when mixed alongside all the moody, gritty alternatives.

The album comes to its end with a run of songs, that have this distinct MA sound.

I particularly like 'Black Milk' which has a haunting, vintage feel to it. The looping low-end drives you round the bend in a fantastic way.

Tension, bass and beautiful eclecticism sum up Mezzanine. It is thrilling, but expect a somewhat challenging listen at times. Zone out, appreciate it, and take note of how you feel; it very well may move you.