Epic trip hop group Massive Attack are preparing to release a rare blast of new material, which contains a huge array of collaborators.
Really, its been too long. Massive Attack emerged from the Wild Bunch Soundsystem, blending hip hop with a uniquely British sensibility. Merging American styles with dub, soul, funk and more the group crafted their own sound which became hugely influential.
Releasing some of the finest albums of the 90s the past decade has seen Massive Attack become curiously silent. The band were reduced to a duo and have only released one album – ‘100th Window’.
Set to return this weekend with a headline performance at Bestival, Massive Attack are due to release a new EP later this year. Bringing along a host of guest vocalists for the ride, the group are back on form.
Speaking to Stateside magazine Spin the band’s Daddy G insisted that there was no conscious attempt to bring on board guest talent. “We don’t really look at it like that because half these people are mates who we’ve met over the years. Damon is a good friend of D’s and like a friend of the family, you know?”
“I knew Guy (Garvey) before Elbow got big, you know? It’s funny now that they’ve actually blown up. And Martina (Topley-Bird), she was Tricky’s partner and girlfriend at the time so we were aware of her. It’s not that these people needed us. We’re just happy to get on board and work with them.”
The producer singled out Damon Albarn for praise. “When you work with someone like Damon Albarn, you know, he’s a genius. You can’t help but believe that some of it is rubbing off on you. And you become convinced that you’re as good as Damon Albarn, but no.”
“The guy’s a genius. Being in the same room with him and watching him work is inspiration, you know?”
Massive Attack are set to release their new EP ‘Splitting The Atom’ on October 5th.
