Massive Attack hit Melbourne’s Myer Music Bowl on their fourth Australian tonight (March 20) with a truly spectacular performance.
The anarchistic, angry, aggressive hated of politicians and capitalism was on display in an awe-inspiring way that would leave most punk rock activists shaking in their boots.
The spectacular backdrop was littered with angst-ridden messages often targeting Australian tabloid fodder. During their 1998 track ‘Risingson’ the screen flashes messages including “Bingle: Who Cares?” and “Pauline Hanson to Emigrate”. Their political awareness did not let up and their message came through loud and clear. The whole show was a metaphorical “fuck you” to capitalism.
Even if you’re the kind to ignore a band’s politics, it was brilliant enough just hearing the band trawl through classic songs that defined the trip-hop genre over the past two decades. Songs such as 1992’s ‘Unfinished Sympathy’ and ‘Safe From Harm’ sounded right at home next to ‘Splitting The Atom’, ‘Babel’ or ‘Psyche’.
‘Teardrop’ was reinvented by the stunning voice of Martina Topley-Bird, who played a solo set in support to a disappointingly uninterested crowd (for future reference, she has two very excellent solo albums and a third one on the way). Her quirky voice and beautiful phrasing added a new touch to a classic crowd-pleaser of a song.
There is an old rule in show business that you never open with a show-stopper, but this incredible performance opened with one and never looked back.
No review, no dodgy clip on YouTube and no tales from your mates will give you the slightest clue as to how incredible this performance is. If it is coming to a town near you, get a ticket. Get a ticket the second they are on sale. Sell your mother if you have to, just go.
Follow the author Tim Cashmere on Twitter.
