Massive Attack's Long Awaited Return

By Jake Guidry in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 13, 2010 7:40PM

Massive Attack, legendary pioneers of trip-hop, will make a long-awaited tour stop in Chicago this weekend at The Riviera. Just off their 2010-released Heligoland, Massive Attack's return to Chicago is among the highlights of an impressive fall concert lineup for the city. For those that grew up with the trailblazing electronic music, their visit represents a must-see event.

Grant Evan Marshall and Robert Del Naja, the surviving duo known as Massive Attack, took an interesting approach on Heligoland. Opting for more traditional song structures, Heligoland was perhaps their most accesible album to date. Different it may be from Massive Attack's previous work, Heligoland is still a solid piece of music. Yet, it's Massive Attack's output from the '90s that will fill The Riv with a buzz few acts today can conjure.

Indeed, it's albums like Mezzanine and Blue Lines that will bring fans en masse, excited for a glimpse into a time when Massive Attack were of the best forward-thinkers in music. In fact, Mezzanine, a twelver-year-old album, is still as fresh as can be. Take it for a spin and you'll hear its progressiveness, its fresh approach, its timeless sonic form. Anyone who watches House and is delighted by its intro song, Massive Attack's "Teardrop", knows this. This is what the crowd Friday will yearn for; and while they may get more Heligoland than they bargained for, a night with Massive Attack is better than most other things you can do with your time.

Massive Attack is Friday, The Riviera, 4746 N. Racine Ave, 8:30 p.m., $39, 18+