Mezzanine

A mezzanine is an intermediate floor between main floors of a building; it is often low-ceilinged, and often projects in the form of a balcony. The term is also used for the lowest balcony in a theater, or for the first few rows of seats in that balcony.

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Mezzanine is also the title of the third full-length LP from Bristol-based trip-hop innovators Massive Attack. Released in 1998, it marked the moment when the dark undercurrents which had always been present in the collective's music came to the fore.

Hailed by many critics as an artistic success, the overwhelming mood of the album is one of murky oppression; the only respites are the pretty first single "Teardrop" and the chilled-out instrumental "Exchange". Discordant rock guitars feature on several tracks, alledgedly against the wishes of founder member Andrew Vowles (aka Mushroom), who left the band shortly after Mezzanine 's release, citing creative differences. Mezzanine features the talents of long-time Massive Attack collaborater Horace Andy, along with guest vocalists Elizabeth Frazer and Sara Jay.

Tracklist

1. "Angel"
2. "Risingson"
3. "Teardrop"
4. "Inertia Creeps"
5. "Exchange"
6. "Dissolved Girl"
7. "Man Next Door"
8. "Black Milk"
9. "Mezzanine"
10. "Group Four"
11. "(Exchange)"