Genres: Alternative/Indie,Electronica/Dance,Soundtracks

Massive Attack has been the pioneers of the trip-hop music genre which has its roots in the city of Bristol. The bands groundbreaking production of dark sensual drum n’ bass that are played in a downbeat style; very different from the hip-hop or dance styles of the 90s.

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Massive Attack: The Riders of Trip Hop

“What we were trying to do was create dance music for the head, rather than the feet.”  - Daddy G. Massive Attack

The Massive Attack World

Massive Attack has been the pioneers of the trip-hop music genre which has its roots in the city of Bristol. The bands groundbreaking production of dark sensual drum n’ bass that are played in a downbeat style; very different from the hip-hop or dance styles of the 90s. The band always used am ensemble cast of singers and musicians to complete their production and creative vision. Massive Attack has also successfully incorporated Eastern influences into their music. A world wide fan base, the band has extensively toured Europe and the rest of the world. Massive Attack has sold over 10 million albums world wide and have collaborated with some of the most successful artists across other genres. They have been acknowledged by the music industry as some of the most creative and visionary producers in recent times.

The Evolution of Trip-Hop

The trip-hop genre originated from the city of Bristol, where DJs were playing an alternative to the dance and electronic music which was around in the 90s. The beats being used were much slower and electronically altered to create and atmospheric fusion of melodies and relaxed rhythms. Massive Attach also from Bristol came into existence after the disbanding of Wild Bunch an earlier avatar of Robert "3D" Del Naja ("D"), Grant "Daddy G" Marshall ("G") and Andrew Vowles (“Mush”); along with producer such as Nelle Hopper. They were one of the first British sound systems and very successful in the club scene in England.

The three (sand Hopper) started their own band Massive Attack and in 1991 released their first album “Blue Lines”. The album was unlike anything on the British scene at that time; using sampling, electronic music, hip-hop and dub the band were able to successfully fuse these sounds. The album was a hit and thus far has sold over 2 million albums world wide. Influenced and pushed by solo artist Neneh Cherry, the band created a unique sound and received very high critical acclaim especially for the beats on the single “Unfinished Sympathy”. The track was sung by Shara Nelson who also appeared on the “in the hood” styled video.

The Rise of Massive Attack

Strangely the group changed their name to just Massive as the first Gulf war underway and they did not want any associations with their name. Realizing no need for the change, they quickly reverted back to the original name. Prior to release of the second album “Protection” in 1994, the band parted ways with their manager and lead singer Shara Nelson. They also roped in their old mate Nelle Hopper from the Wild Bunch days to produce the album. The result was eclectic sound drum n’ bass with Eastern influenced “Karnacoma” and a remixed version of “Light My Fire” recorded live. The album gave Massive Attack another UK platinum. The ensuing tour was also well received  

In 1995 they started their own record label as part of the EMI group. While recording the third album the band encountered many personal issues and conflict in creative direction. They recorded “Dissolved Girl” as a B-side for their single for the Jackal soundtrack. In 1998, they released the delayed third album “Mezzanine”. The record is often considered the bands most seminal work, it went straight to the top of the UK charts along with several other countries. And it was also their first album to chart in the US peaking just outside the Top 50. the songs “Risingson” and “Angel” are some of their most loved. “Angel” even had distorted guitar sample and the video received phenomenal response. But it was the song “Teardrop” which gained wide spread popularity as it was also the theme song for the TV Drama House. The song starts of reminding you of the U2 beat for “Numb”

Post the album release Andrew Vowles departed in the most acrimonious conditions. By 2000 Marshall was also disillusioned and stayed away from the recording process of the next album. That left Massive Attach to just sole member Robert Del Naja. the next alum “100^th Window” released under the Massive Attack name was more of a solo effort. Using vocals from Sinead O’ Connor, the album did debut at No.1 on the UK charts but quickly faded. The ensuing tour with its elaborate stage and lighting was an expensive affair and the band suffered financial losses. But by now the two were back together.  

Their last album “Heligoland” is released on Feb 2010 to critical acclaim and is a return to form.

• Massive Attack supports several charitable causes like The Robin Hood Tax, Hoping Foundation,  

• Massive Attack has collaborated with several music superstars from various genres that include David Bowie, Madonna and the Dandy Warhol

• Massive Attack has cited British music composer John Barry as one of their biggest influences. John Barry has composed music for almost all the James Bond movies and Oscar winning Dsances with Wolves

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