Properreissue of the trip hop pioneer’s debut album.Massive Attack’s first full length from 1991 laid the foundation for the Bristol downtempo style that blew up a few years later with the release of Protection and the Portishead album. The record has an in-between feel, not yet fully evolvedbut definitely hitting in all the right places. The mode here is generally a bit more on the Soul II Soul side of things than “Karmacoma.” Check out the singles “Safe From Harm,” “Unfinished Sympathy” and “Be Thankful,” plus the Horace Andy voiced tracks “Hymn of The Big Wheel” and “Five Man Army.” Pressedon heavyweight 180 gram vinyl.

• 180g black vinyl pressing
• printed inner sleeve
• original release year: 1991
• music label: Virgin 2016

reviewed by Hank Ohs 08/2014