Massive Attack

The pioneering force behind the rise of trip-hop , Massive Attack were among the most innovative and influential groups of their generation; their hypnotic sound -- a darkly sensual and cinematic fusion of hip-hop rhythms, soulful melodies, dub grooves, and choice samples -- set the pace for much of the dance music to emerge throughout the 1990s, paving the way for such acclaimed artists as Portishead , Sneaker Pimps , Morcheeba , UNKLE and Tricky , himself a Massive Attack alumnus. Their history dates back to 1983 and the formation of the Wild Bunch , one of the earliest and most successful sound-system/DJ collectives to arrive on the UK music scene; renowned for their seamless integration of a wide range of musical styles, from punk to reggae to R&B, the group's parties quickly became can't-miss events for the Bristol club crowd, and at the peak of their popularity they drew crowds so enormous that the local live music scene essentially ground to a halt. When the Wild Bunch folded during the mid- 80s two of its members -- Andrew Vowles ( Mushroom ) and Grant Marshall ( Daddy G ) -- teamed with local graffiti artist 3D (born Robert del Naja) to form Massive Attack in 1987; another Wild Bunch alum, Nellee Hooper , split his time between the new group and his other project, Soul II Soul . The group's first single, " Daydreaming ," appeared in 1990; it featured the sultry vocals of singer Shara Nelson and raps by Tricky , another onetime Wild Bunch collaborator. The classic " Unfinished Sympathy " followed (which, despite its slow BPM, is often cited as Britain's Favourite Dance tune - sources: MTV Dance, Kiss102) as did another compelling effort, " Safe From Harm ." Finally, in 1991 Massive Attack issued their debut LP, Blue Lines ; while by no means a huge commercial success, the record was met with major critical praise, and was dubbed an instant classic in many quarters. Nelson, featured on many of the album s most memorable tracks, exited for a solo caree

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