Massive Attack’s ‘Heligoland’ proves worth the wait

Casey Welsch

Daily Nebraskan

Dear Massive Attack,

It's been a long time, old friend. What's it been? Six, seven years since I last heard anything from you? How long is immaterial. The point is, it's been too long. I was starting to get worried.

Anyway, that's all behind us. It was good to finally hear from you again. I'm glad to hear you're doing well. Very well by the sound of it. With your age and experience, it's good to hear that you're still innovating and pushing the envelope, rather than just trying to hold on to your past, as so many in your position have.

"Heligoland"? Where did that come from? I've never fully understood where you get names like that from, but I'm sure it has a deep and meaningful explanation. I mean, judging from the work you've done, it has to.

It was worth the wait to hear from you again. The anticipation made it all the more fruitful. So many other names in your line of work have waited too long or worked too hard on their recent releases, and the result has never been as fruitful as hoped for. You, on the other hand, have always been the king of your domain. Your work has never been bogged down by the trappings of your field. I don't know why I worried.

"Heligoland" is among the best work you've ever produced, I just want you to know that. And having Tunde, Damon, Hope, Martina, Guy and Adrian lend their talents was a good move. Your work is so collaborative, it just works. So much talent. So. Much. Talent.

Every piece of "Heligoland" has a feeling of meticulous crafting. No wonder it took so long! Nothing seems out of place. Nothing is filler. This truly shows that you have always been and always are on top of your game.

Thanks for the present. I loved it. I'm going to be enjoying it for a long, long time. I hope to hear from you again soon, but even if I never do, "Heligoland" could suffice as your final work. I'll be thinking of you often.

Sincerely,

Casey

P.S. Don't let Portishead give you any grief about this one. They're just jealous.

caseywelsch@dailynebraskan.com