Massive Attack’s “Mezzanine,” released in 1998, is a landmark album in the trip-hop genre, known for its dark, atmospheric soundscapes and innovative production. This album is often praised in audiophile circles for its layered textures, deep bass, and the detailed soundstage.
Here’s a detailed audiophile review of each track, focusing on the recording quality and sonic characteristics:
Angel
Recording Quality:
The album opens with “Angel,” a track characterized by its deep, pulsating bass and haunting vocals. The soundstage is wide and immersive, with each element, from the trip-hop beats to the echoing guitar, captured with clarity.
Highlights:
The intensity of the bass line and the crispness of the snare drum create a compelling and moody atmosphere.
Risingson
Recording Quality:
“Risingson” showcases a blend of electronic and acoustic elements. The recording captures the gritty texture of the vocals and the sharpness of the electronic beats.
Highlights:
The contrast between the murky vocal samples and the clear lead vocals is striking, adding depth to the track.
Teardrop
Recording Quality:
One of the album’s most iconic tracks, “Teardrop” features a delicate harpsichord riff and ethereal vocals. The recording quality is superb, with each element, including the subtle percussive sounds, articulated beautifully.
Highlights:
The clarity of Elizabeth Fraser’s haunting vocals is a highlight, perfectly complementing the minimalist instrumentation.
Inertia Creeps
Recording Quality:
This track has a menacing, rhythmic quality. The recording captures the layers of sound, from the Middle Eastern-inspired melodies to the deep, resonant bass.
Highlights:
The driving beats and the brooding bass create a sense of tension and urgency.
Exchange
Recording Quality:
“Exchange” features a more laid-back, jazzy feel. The recording captures the warmth of the vinyl samples and the smooth bass line with a relaxed precision.
Highlights:
The track’s laid-back groove is complemented by the clarity of the sampled dialogue, adding to its cinematic feel.
Dissolved Girl
Recording Quality:
Featuring heavy guitar riffs and powerful vocals, this track is recorded with a raw energy. The mix balances the aggressive guitar and the electronic elements effectively.
Highlights:
The emotional intensity of the vocals is captured with depth and clarity, set against the backdrop of the dense, gritty instrumentation.
Man Next Door
Recording Quality:
The track stands out for its reggae-influenced rhythm and deep bass line. The sound quality is excellent, with a spacious soundstage that gives each element room to breathe.
Highlights:
The dub effects and the depth of the bass are particularly well-rendered, creating a moody and immersive listening experience.
Black Milk
Recording Quality:
“Black Milk” features a hypnotic rhythm and dreamy vocals. The recording is detailed, capturing the subtleties of the layered synths and the rhythmic nuances.
Highlights:
The airy vocals float above the mix, providing a stark contrast to the dense, textured background.
Mezzanine
Recording Quality:
The title track is dark and atmospheric. The recording captures the menacing bass line and the eerie ambient sounds with a compelling intensity.
Highlights:
The track’s brooding mood is enhanced by the deep, resonant bass and the sharp, piercing electronic effects.
Group Four
Recording Quality:
A complex, evolving track, “Group Four” is a blend of dynamic beats, atmospheric synths, and intense vocals. The recording quality handles the track’s progression and layers effectively.
Highlights:
The crescendo of the track, with its soaring vocals and building rhythms, is captured with a powerful clarity.
(Exchange)
Recording Quality:
The album closes with a reprise of “Exchange,” this time focusing more on the instrumental elements. The recording maintains the warm, vinyl-inspired quality of the original.
Highlights:
The laid-back, jazzy feel of the track is perfectly conveyed, with the subtle instrumental details shining through.
Overall Assessment
“Mezzanine” by Massive Attack is a masterpiece of trip-hop and a reference-quality album for audiophiles. The production is sophisticated, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that range from deep, rumbling bass to ethereal vocals. Each track is a sonic exploration, with the recording quality highlighting the album’s moody, atmospheric feel. The soundstage is wide and detailed, allowing the listener to immerse themselves fully in the music. For those who appreciate the nuances of electronic music and high-fidelity sound, “Mezzanine” is an essential album.