Massive Attack
The pioneering force behind the rise of trip-hop, Massive Attack are among the most innovative and influential groups of their generation; their hypnotic sound — a darkly sensual and cinematic fusion of hip-hop rhythms, soulful melodies, dub grooves, and choice samples — set the pace for much of thedance music to emerge throughout the 1990s, paving the way for such acclaimed artists as Portishead,Sneaker Pimps, Morcheeba, UNKLE and Tricky.
Their history dates back to 1983 and the formation of the Wild Bunch, one of the earliest and most successful sound-system/DJ collectives to arrive on the UK music scene. When the Wild Bunch folded during the mid-’80s, two of its members — Andrew Vowles (Mushroom) and Grant Marshall (Daddy G) — teamed with local graffiti artist 3D (born Robert del Naja) to form Massive Attack in 1987. In 1991 Massive Attack issued their debut LP, „Blue Lines“. The record was met with major critical praise, and was dubbed an instant classic in many quarters.
After a three-year layoff, Massive Attack resurfaced with "Protection". Three singles — “ Karmacoma,” “ Sly,” and the title track — were released from the LP, which was also remixed in its entirety by Mad Professor and issued as "No Protection". A lengthy tour followed, and over the next several years, Massive Attack’s solo work was primarily confined to remixes for artists including Garbage; they also worked with Madonna on a track for a Marvin Gaye tribute album.The third full-length Massive Attack effort, "Mezzanine", appeared in mid-1998. "Mezzanine" became a cult hit among critics, clubs, and the college crowds, spinning successful singles such as “ Teardrop” and “Inertia Creeps.” Vowles left the band in 1999.and Naja and Marshall continued as a duo. In February 2003, after a five-year wait, Massive Attack released their fourth album, "100th Window", including collaborations with mainstay Horace Andy as well as Sinéad O’Connor. "Danny the Dog" from 2004 marked the group’s entry into the world of soundtracks, and 2006 saw a ‘Best of’ compilation entitled "Collected".
Massive Attack have finally returned with their length LP "Heligoland", released in 2010, featuring Horace Andy, Martina Topley-Bird, Damon Albarn, Tunde Adebimpe, Guy Garvey and Hope Sandoval.
Discography / Albums
1991. Blue Lines
1994. Protection
1998. Mezzanine
2003. 100th Window
2010. Heligoland
