Dream collaborations can be a tricky thing. On paper they can sound like a great idea: two amazing artists coming together and joining their best qualities for something that elevates both of their sounds. However that doesn't always turn out to be the case. Luckily for us, Massive Attack recruiting Tom Waits to provide the vocals on their new song is a great thing. On their first new song since 2020's Eutopia EP, Massive Attack revive their dissonant, murky sonics for a raw, gritty feel that perfectly underscores Waits' eerie words. This is also his first new song since his 2011 album Bad as Me. It's a timely and uncomfortable song that takes on the state of violence in America as the terror group known as ICE brings about a militarized police state on the ground of the United States. At one point, Waits asks "now who the hell are these federal pricks? Hiding in the Senate like a bloated-ass tick." His voice still hits like a bucket of gravel and adds to the unsettling nature of the track, it's not an easy listen per se, but it is a necessary one for the moment. According to Waits, the track was actually recorded years ago so it's even more upsetting to think that the song still holds such strong relevance in today's world. Both artists gave statements on the song, with Massive Attack saying:
It’s a career honour to collaborate with an artist of the magnitude, originality and integrity of Tom, but this track is arriving in an atmosphere of chaos. Across the western hemisphere, state authoritarianism and the militarisation of police forces are fusing again with neo-fascist politics. Seen within the American emergency, at home and overseas, this track contains pulses of callous impulse & abandoned mind.
Waits added:
One day many years ago, I accepted an invitation from Massive Attack to collaborate. Their long release delay never worried me. Today, as in all of mankind's yesterdays, guarantees this type of song will never go out of style. Man's folly of fiascos is a feast for the flies. Hence, the B side of Massive Attack’s upcoming 12 inch "The Fly" features my appreciation for the winged nuisance.
It's a powerful song that bluntly states just how terrible things are both here in the States and across the globe. A reminder at what's at stake if we don't act now and come together to fight these forces head-on. It's a shame that this is what it takes to see these two brilliant artists come together, but it's also a major reminder of how art is supposed to speak out against what's happening in the world. Something we sadly need more than ever.
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