Next week Massive Attack’s new album Heligoland will grace this land as the first album the trip hop duo has released in seven years. Sure the main collaborators have been busy during that time period, but other than the ep Splitting the Atom that came out last fall this is the first new music from Robert Del Naja (aka 3D) and Grand Marshall (Daddy G). A lot can happen in seven years and that is an extensive amount of time (even by Tool standards) to sit without an album. To mark the occasion 3D and Daddy G brought in some top notch collaborators as they always do. Featured on this album we find Tunde Adebimpe (TV on the Radio) helping out on the first track “Pray For Rain”, Martina Topley Bird (Tricky) offers assistance on “Babel” & “Psyche”, Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star) lends stunning vocals on ”Paradise Circus”,Guy Garvey (Elbow) helps with “Flat of the Blade” and Damon Albarn (Blur & Gorillaz) lends his touch on “Saturday Comes Slow”. Not a bad cast to start your return to form!

To say the album is a switch in direction from their past work is probably not fair. Their seems to be less excitable “trip hop” and more ambient undercurrent. There is something smooth and compelling through out the album that washes over the listener. It seems much more subtle than some of their previous work. A sound that rewards repeated listens, but could get dismissed by those not taking the time to allow the music to sink in.

The guest appearances do trulyhelp to elevate the album as “Pray for Rain” seems to slowly seep into your ears. ”Paradise Circus” jumps out imediatly as it builds slowly one can’t help but be mesmerized by the darkly lovely performance Hope Sandoval delivers. The album closer “Atlas Air” seemed to immediately stand above the rest of the tracks and ends the album on a strong note.

Ultimately I don’t see this as an album that reaches high enough to draw many new fans to their stable. I do think this is a solid album that long time fans will enjoy. We are greeted with glimpses of passion of the past but it seems the album lacks the stand out punch that all great albums deliver. If you are itching to hear more Massive Attack Heligoland will scratch that itch for you, but it may not be the cure all for your desires.

Have a listen for yourself at NPR they are streaming the album in it’s entirety now

Enjoy Paradise Circus:

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