Massive Attack - Heligoland (2010)

Review By Tom Grant

It has been seven years since our favourite Bristol trip hoppers last offering, "100th Window", and with their latest LP "Heligoland" (heli-go-land, you’ll get it), Massive Attack offer a welcome return to form.

With a plethora of amazing guest collaborators, the enigmatic duo do not rest on the foundations that have been built by the collective's profound existence; instead we are taken on an original journey through a fresh outlook on the influential genre that they have pioneered.

The return of founding member Grant "Daddy G" Marshall to the core of the collective marks the return of fluidity to their work. 

The chemistry between Daddy G and Robert "3D" Del Naja has always been a key to the art that they have created, and with both back on good terms, they have produced a well mastered record.

TV On The Radio front man Tunde Adebimpe provides vocals for arguably the best song on the record, Pray For Rain. As we become subject to the hypnotic spell of a rolling drum kit, Adebimpe’s echoing vocals makes us privy to what is to be offered throughout the rest of the album.

Splitting The Atom welcomes back Massive Attack old-timer Horace Andy to vocal duties. With a false start luring us in, we again are drawn in by cyclical synths, with a hypnotic theme starting to become a constant within each song.

When first reading the track listing of the album I was perplexed by the selection of Elbow front man Guy Garvey to appear in 'Flat of the Blade'. 

Probably the low point of the album, Garvey struggles with erratic synth-drum combination provided for him, unable to cope with the unenthusiastic offering from his collaborators.

The exact opposite can be said about Damon Albarn’s efforts. Clearly experienced with the stylings of Massive Attack (mainly though his inscrutable virtual band, Gorillaz), Albarn provides the perfect accompaniment for the intensely rollicking backdrop provided on Saturday Come Slow.

Although Heligoland can border on the line of stubborn pretentiousness, well-chosen collaborations and fresh backdrops make it an interesting listen. 

A dark exploration of the places where music can travel, Heligoland is probably not Daddy G and 3D’s best effort, but it certainly gives us something to get excited about.

RATING: 3 out of 5

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