Massive Attack with Goldfrapp - Amsterdam, July 2008

After canceling their American tour dates in 2006 and having missed their tour date in Cork on July 2nd this year, I was finally able to pick up Massive Attack tickets for their tour date in Amsterdam's Cultuurpark on July 3rd.

Massive Attack were supported by a somewhat underwhelming Goldfrapp, whose setlist concentrated on their 'Seventh Tree' record - more similar to 'Felt Mountain' than the funkier 'Black Cherry' or 'Supernature', records responsible for rocketing Alison Goldfrapp to diva superstardom. Though melodic, the more modest set didn't seem to sit well with the crowd who, in return, failed to engage in the performance. It seemed, and myself included, that the crowd anticipated Goldfrapp's crunchier numbers like 'Strict Machine', 'Lovely To See you' and 'Twist', but they never surfaced. Supernature's 'Oh La La' got a more enthusiastic response, saving the biggest cheer for 'Train', which finished off their short set.

As the evening grew darker, the Cultuurpark finally began to resemble a full venue and, under a pink sky, witnessed its first rapturous applause as the extensive Massive Attack crew took to the stage.

Del Naja and Marshall welcomed Stephanie Dosen to look after 'Teardrop', of which she did a super job vocally. I just found her ditsy manner a bit irritating to look at. Yolanda Quartey was a regular on the stage. Massive Attack's 'Live at Albert Hall' ends with an incredible rendition of 'Unfinished Sympathy'. In that performance Shara Nelson dominates, showing both passion and incredible lung capacity to throw out, and hold, the 1991 single's higher notes. Though soulful throughout, and fantastic in 'All I Want', Yolanda fails to exhibit the vocal power that Nelson accomplishes so effortlessly, leaving me somewhat disappointed as their act came to a close. Horace Andy was responsible for the haunting vocals to 'Angel', a personal highlight as this song was my introduction to the band. This performance, I believe, was a stronger effort than that on the Albert Hall album, with a far better, distorted guitar execution.

The United Visual Artist's LED rig loomed behind the band, adding another dimension to the act. What was also impressive was the rig itself proved an impressive set piece as the lights placed behind took on various textures as it shone through the rig's slats. The simple geometric lines and ascii text were certainly products of the London based visual team. As with previous Massive Attack live tours, large political statements were printed and intertwined with the music. The lighting and graphics succeeded in complementing the musics tone - a particular early highlight was the synchronised strobe effect that spat out white, angry geometrics during the chorus of opener 'All I Want', which contrasted beautifully with the softer lighting that was cast through the rig during the bridge of the song. Both the BBC and Guardian seem to echo my sentiments, regarding the visuals as 'stunning' and 'impressive' respectively.

More photographs can be seen on my Flickr page.

Accompanying photograph is my own and is copyright 2008.