Mezzanine

Description

Repressed.

Massive Attacks third album, Mezzanine, feels alive with paranoia, vital in its own dread. Musically, it isnt a great step forward its a development of Blue Lines and Protection, not a departure but the focused darkness makes it feel more coherent than their previous records, even if it doesnt sound as fresh as Blue Lines. In fact, on a casual listen the album may seem a little like a retread, since there arent really any new sounds, but the key to the album is in the subtle textures how the murmuring Risingson becomes chilling, how Elizabeth Frasers vocals on Teardrop offer no comfort. Ultimately, the carefully crafted and intensely personal Mezzanine is the groups most challenging and arguably rewarding effort to date. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine