I think it is safe to say the Massive Attack that we knew from the 90's and earlier in this decade is gone. It has been 7 years since their last studio album and waiting this long for Heligoland is quite a let down.
I'm not saying it's a bad album. It's just not a good Massive Attack album. Every track features a different vocalist and can be at the best of times interesting. The Music is reminiscent of a film score. Like what Massive Attack have been doing in the last years. It is background music and never really forms a complete experience over one album. Some songs stand out on their own. The opening track is maybe the most progressive on the album and features a solid vocal performance from Tunde Adebimpe (TV On The Radio). I almost wish he did the entire album. "Flat of the Blade" featuring Guy Garvey (Elbow) on Vocals is another highlight on the album. The music suits his style well and is different to what Elbow fans might be used to.
Heligoland is an interesting listen and Electronica \ Altrock fans might find it enjoyable. But if you thought that this would be the comeback of Massive Attack after their somewhat disappointing 100th window you'll be wrong. Massive Attack have been threatening to fade away for a while now and this album does not do much for them. Next week we'll see the realease of the new Tricky album, hopefully that will be a a taste of how great Massive Attack used to be back in the day Tricky performed with them.
Stereo 8 Recommends: Maybe
V + AL
