I’ve started the evening badly. Tonight’s gig is part of a series in action on climate issues, something Massive Attack are hot on and I’ve driven here from Manchester! As punishment, they’re already on, playing ‘Black Milk’ as I walk into a half full arena. I don’t think I’ve been here for a gig before, maybe this is capacity but there’s a lot of space for an arena. Honestly it’s quite pleasant. It’s an odd vibe though. The stage is darkly lit, the emphasis instead thrown to the video projection. In fact it’s a bit of a shock as the video changes and reveals there’s a good half dozen people up there. The personal change from song to song, with different vocalist. I’m impressed, usually bands with lots of vocalists wing it live, but I think everyone’s here. There’s the mix of songs I was expecting and although I’m really here for Mezzanine era stuff, it all sounds pretty great live. The sound isn’t the best in here though, but it suits their dark dystopian vibe. The bass is brutal, the tape loops scratchy. I’m not reaching for the earplugs though, the sound sort of dissipates. In fact you really need to get yourself down near the front to appreciate them. This also helps alleviate the chatter more noticeable toward the back. The Liverpudlian accent really cuts through doesn’t it. Nobody moves, unless to the bar. There’s some head bobbing of course, but that’s it. This is my first Massive Attack gig, hence making the trip over from Manchester. Maybe this is normal, I suspect it is. The whole thing feels as much an art installation as a gig. This is largely down to that video projection, which is one of the best I’ve seen in places and more like A-Level editing in others. I’ll be honest, the slower songs lose the crowd. The chatter starts, even down the front. Vocal laments with soft string beds just don’t seem to cut it. ‘Inertia Creeps’ does though. Those tribal drums and that razor sharp guitar buzzing over the top as 3D breaks his deep drone, it’s magnificent as it’s stretched from the stage. This is exactly what I wanted when I bought the ticket. ‘ROckwrok’ follows and we might be getting somewhere as the punk thrashes from the stage and conspiracy theories are laughed at on the video. At least I think it’s supposed to be satirical. You have to be careful in an environment like this and some around me are clearly confused. ‘Angel’ is the first song that gets the crowd excited. There’s whoops and the phones come out en masse. I’ll point out here that there are two drummers on stage, why have just one. I’m sure one could do it, but they combine brilliantly on this. I knew we’d get some propaganda for want of a better term at some point and it comes on heavy during ‘Safe From Harm’, when the video bangs up a load of one sided numbers on what’s happening in Gaza. I’m not denying the stats, some might be true, others plainly aren't. What’s happening in the Middle East is fucking awful, but it’s not one sided is it. I don’t see how this sort of thing helps. Sorry Massive Attack, I’m sure you mean well but I think this approach is misguided. The song is good though. We’re at the business end now and ‘Unfinished Symphony’ picks things up. Deborah Miller on vocals is pretty phenomenal and with its soulful core, the dancing does break out in pockets. I think ‘Karmacoma’ might’ve been my intro to Massive Attack many years ago, so it’s a particular treat to hear it live. I’m not sure those around me are as excited though. This has to one of weirdest crowds I’ve been in. Half the room don’t seem arsed. ‘Teardrop’ catches them and the phones come out again. Including one with a flash permanently on that nearly blinds me. Elizabeth Fraser voice soars though and it’s one of the few points where they embrace looking like a band, the stage lit by hazy spots as they fill it with a cinematic presence. The crowd cheer as that melody sweeps the room. It’s a proper moment. I could do without Avicii cover that bizarrely follows, but it’s over quick enough as the absolute menacing monster ‘Group Four’ takes over. I love this, but I’m coming to the conclusion that Massive Attack are more enjoyable on record. There are moments, like when this builds to a massive finale, when they flex and come alive, but it’s far too sparing and the atmosphere in the room is largely dead. Definitely one of the weirder gigs I’ve been to. That can often be a good thing, but in this case I’m not sure.
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