01/07/2016

"With a show like this Massive Attack show that they might never have been more relevant"


About yesterday's show in Plymouth and ahead of the band's appearance in Hyde Park's BST, here is another review. The show in January / February was already a marvel. This promises to be even greater.


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Review: 'Massive Attack show that they might

 never have been more relevant'



Massive Attack had a message behind their music
Massive Attack had a message behind their music

By WOCornwall West Briton  |  Thu 30 Jun 2016
Massive Attack featuring Young Fathers
Plymouth Pavilions

Review by Richard Whitehouse


★★★★☆

At a time when the country is mired in turmoil with seemingly nobody in control and with anger and frustration being felt across the nation, it seems about right that a band as confrontational and intense as Massive Attack are bursting back into the live arena.
A band never afraid to wear their feelings on their sleeves, the Bristol collective battered the audience at Plymouth Pavilions into submission with a show which was an assault on the senses while also providing a voice of unity and defiance which would be strong enough to pull any crowd together.
A warm-up show for their massive gig in Hyde Park tomorrow night this was no rehearsal with the band playing at the peak of their talents with a blistering set which left me transfixed.
Backed by an enormous screen they opened the set with text running across asking questions – a kind of primitive Siri, if you like – then, bathed in red light they launched into pounding beats and rolling basslines which were accompanied by flashing images of political party logos and names flashed in quick succession. I only hope there were no photo sensitive epilepsy sufferers in the audience.
For several tracks Massive Attack were joined by Young Fathers – originally slated as a support act but in the event they acted as collaborators. And while the rap trio can spit out lyrics quicker than most of us can think they seemed to not really add much to the Massive Attack experience.
Throughout the show the giant screen flashed out words and images taking in everything from lists of monuments which have been destroyed throughout history and an airport departures board to international flags and binary code.
And at one point it displayed what appeared to be recent news and website headlines covering the likes of the EU referendum and England's humiliating Euro 2016 exit.
By doing so they provided the perfect soundtrack for the current state of the nation challenging current events and demanding that something is done about it.
Closing the show with 'Unfinished Sympathy' the screen showed images of, presumably, refugees with the simple phrase "We Are In This Together".
Despite having been making music for more than 30 years, with a show like this Massive Attack show that they might never have been more relevant. I would suggest they make a pitch to provide the new theme tune for Channel 4 News.


Read more: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/review-massive-attack-show-that-they-might-never-have-been-more-relevant/story-29462324-detail/story.html#ixzz4D6qVA7Ip 

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Another mesmerised review:


Morrissey, Green Day and Jools Holland are just some of the big names I've had the pleasure of watching at Plymouth Pavilions (I know, what a show off).
However, none of these or any other act I've seen at the city arena compare to what I witnessed last night - a true masterclass in showmanship, professionalism and audience magnetism.
We already knew that Massive Attack coming to Plymouth was going to be pretty special. It was announced that the trip hop masters would only be playing a handful of shows in the UK including a headline slot at the British Summer Time Festival at Hyde Park.
Not only that, but they would be joined onstage by Mercury award winners and exciting three-piece, Young Fathers.
However, the Bristol-born act delivered something special and so much more - in fact, the best gig I've ever seen at the venue.
From the off-set fans were transported into the Massive Attack realm. Through the darkness came an enigmatic light display and the shadows of two drummers. A screen behind the band depicted typed statements, concerning the modern world in regards to politics, celebrity and injustice. Simplistic but effective in keeping the audience's eyes on them, rather than on their phones.
Despite my experience with performances at Plymouth Pavilions in the past, the sound was absolutely on point last night. The only real issue at the start of the gig was the volume, especially considering the genre of music, however this was either rectified during the one hour 45 minute set or the crowd decided to stop chatting so much and enjoy the music instead.
If it was the latter, then the addition of Young Fathers half way through the set was a huge reason why the crowd were brought on board.
Animalistic, heart-stopping and a little bit terrifying; the Scottish three piece had every crowd member with either their phone or their hands in the air.
Although the time they spent onstage was very reasonable - four songs worth - I don't think I was alone in feeling hungry for more from Young Fathers.
Setting the tone for the rest of the gig, Massive Attack took centre stage once again but with even heavier and moodier beats - complimenting Grant Marshall's earth trembling vocals - before leaving the stage without a wave or a nod.
After a tense wait, the group arrived back onstage and delivered those bangers from the nineties that they are well-known for including 'Unfinished Symphony', sending the crowd into a frenzy which I have never seen at the arena before.
This was the perfect gig - with the only drawback being that it was on a school night. A couple of glasses of vodka mixer would have matched the mood perfectly.

Read more: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/watch-the-best-plymouth-pavilions-gig-ever/story-29462154-detail/story.html#ixzz4D6sVeVrO 

 Was Massive Attack the best Plymouth Pavilions gig ever?

By CarlyHerald  |  Posted: June 30, 2016







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