Another five years before Massive released their next LP, but many things have changed in the last five years, the most important being that Mushroom left due to him having musical differences with Del Naja. Daddy G (Grant Marshall) is also absent from this release, although due to him wanting to spend more time with his child, as apposed to there being some sort of clash of egos, although it is quite obvious with recent events and publications that the two do not like eachother that much at all, but will still continue working with the on-going 'project' that is Massive Attack. 100th Window, mainly produced by Del Naja and Neil Davidge is quite different from anything else they have produced. There is more of a gothic-electronica feel with this record, practically produced completely within the studio with the helping hands of Davidge on some lyrics and guitar solos. The first track 'Future Proof' gives off a very electronic vibe, but there are the usual rock influences from Del Naja climaxing somewhat in the middle of the track, it's not a bad song, but it seems to lack a certain 'oomph' but still manages to pull off a moody, cold and dark harmony.
Sinead O'Conner has a dominant presence in 100th window, first appearing in 'What your soul sings'. The digitally mastered harp works wonders, and when combined with modest guitar play and a good overall vocal effort, it's generally quite good, and worth listening to, it manages to leave you with an unearthly feeling. Faithful Horace Andy is of course on this album, and starts off with 'Everywhen' where his chanting, slow and hynotic vocals work very well with a barren soundscape. We then come to our first released single on the record, 'Special Cases'. A broody, chilling track with succinct and precise vocals from Sinead again. Perhaps one of the interesting things about this album is that Del Naja actually 'sings' rather then melodic rapping or 'talking', 'Butterfly Caught' is a haunting piece of music with an almost dischorded and lingering orchestral presence towards the end of the song. 'Small time shot away' perhaps the best song on the record as it's melodic vocals from Del Naja are very good, you could quite easily find yourself dazed taking in this record whilst you pick out every little layered sound sample that has been intricately placed. 'Antistar' the most up-beat track of the record is intensely layered with what could be described as middle-eastearn violin efforts, which are quite stunning, this track could quite easily make its way into one or more soundtracks.
Something Massive Attack once stated is that they will never repeat themselves as far as the musical direction within their records exists, and they haven't. Perhaps not the most innovative piece of music ever made by the group, but this record has been produced by only two full-time players. One thing easily noticeable is the complete reduction of any form of 'black-sounding' music, which is mainly due to Mushroom and Daddy G's absense from this record, which probably isn't a good thing because their influences have made Massive Attack as different, original and appealing as they are known for. Sinead O Conner probably had a ltitle too much room to play with in this record, and as a result i think it's probably for the worse, one can't quite compare her vocals with Tracey Thorn or the fabulous Liz Fraser. You really do leave with a 'cold' vibe after you have finished listening to this album, and it doesn't feel quite as complete as the other records, but it is indeed a solid effort from a reduced Massive Attack workforce, with some good tracks.
