The 1990s were a dynamic time for music, with various genres finding their way into the mainstream, each bringing its own unique flavor. Among them, electronic music was making waves, with the hard-hitting beats of The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers leading the charge in electronica, while the darker, more experimental sounds of Nine Inch Nails and Stabbing Westward carved out space for industrial rock. Yet, nestled in the late-night slots on MTV and alternative radio was another genre that captivated listeners with its moody, atmospheric soundscapes—trip-hop. And no album defined trip-hop quite like Massive Attack’s 1998 release, Mezzanine.
Emerging from Bristol, England, Massive Attack was a collective that began with roots in the city’s sound system culture. The group, originally consisting of Robert Del Naja (3D), Grant Marshall (Daddy G), Andrew Vowles (Mushroom), and Adrian Thaws (Tricky), quickly became pioneers of trip-hop—a genre that fused elements of hip-hop, dub, reggae, and soul into a sound that was both haunting and hypnotic. By the time Mezzanine was released, the group had already made significant contributions to the genre with their earlier albums Blue Lines and Protection. However, Mezzanine marked a darker, more complex turn in their sound.
Opening with the slow-burning “Angel,” Mezzanine immediately draws listeners into its shadowy world. Horace Andy’s soulful yet ominous vocals, coupled with the track’s menacing bassline, set the tone for the rest of the album. Over the next hour, Massive Attack weaves a sonic landscape that is as unsettling as it is captivating, blending live instrumentation with carefully selected samples that range from The Cure to Led Zeppelin.
One of the standout features of Mezzanine is its patient, deliberate pacing. Tracks like “Teardrop,” with its ethereal vocals by Cocteau Twins’ Elizabeth Fraser, and “Inertia Creeps,” with its relentless, pulsating rhythm, don’t rush to their conclusions. Instead, they build gradually, enveloping the listener in layers of sound that reveal new details with each listen. This careful construction of mood and atmosphere is a hallmark of the album and a key reason why it remains a touchstone of the trip-hop genre.
Despite its experimental nature, Mezzanine found commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide and earning a dedicated following. However, its impact goes beyond sales figures; the album has been widely praised for its innovative use of samples, its genre-defying sound, and its influence on artists across various musical landscapes.
The legacy of Mezzanine is one of innovation and boundary-pushing creativity. It’s an album that not only defined a genre but also challenged the conventions of what electronic music could be. For fans of trip-hop or anyone interested in the more introspective side of 90s music, Mezzanine is an essential listen—a dark, cinematic journey that still resonates today.
Dive deeper into the world of trip-hop and explore the groundbreaking sounds of Massive Attack’s Mezzanine by tuning into our latest podcast episode. Join us as we unpack the album’s intricate layers, discuss its lasting influence, and hear insights from listeners like you. Don’t miss out on this in-depth exploration of one of the 90s’ most iconic records.
Songs in this Episode
Intro - Teardrop (from Mezzanine)
27:20 - Angel (from Mezzanine)
32:57 - Risingson (from Mezzanine)
35:57 - Rock That Doesn't Roll / Dope Nostalgia podcast promos
52:54 - Paradise Circus (from Heligoland)
Outro - Inertia Creeps (from Mezzanine)
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Massive Attack - Mezzanine | 90s Rock Revisited