CityLife

Massive Attack @ Beck's Fusions

BECK'S Fusions is a fantastic, free two-day event which has seen thousands of music fans flock to Castlefield Arena.

Judging by the ecstatic reaction of the capacity crowd on Saturday night, this should be a regular event, as even afternoon rain could not dampen the spirits of the thousands who stood on the cobbles patiently waiting for the Bristol trip-hoppers.

Many of them looked like kids in a sweet shop, hardly believing that this had cost them 'nada.' With the news filled with doom-laden stories about Britain's credit-crunch economy, this leads to a real feel-good atmosphere within the outdoor arena.

Locals stand on the balconies of their Castlefield flats, with perfect views, but in the comfort of their own homes.

DJ Mike Pickering, from M People and Hacienda fame gets the crowd in the mood for the fusion of jazz, hip-hop, rock and soul.

The fans dance obligingly in unison and none of them seem to be blind drunk or aggressive which is a real bonus.

New students to Manchester clamber to get a good view, as they watch front-man Robert Del Naja sing behind a gauze filled with iconic video imagery beamed onto it - this is Massive Attack.

The band has an aura about them; it's not just the time that they have been together. It's the fact that their music is quite timeless.

Refreshingly

Many of their older tracks could chart today, as they have a refreshingly original sound, which puts the likes of Mark Ronson with his 'brasso everything' sound into the shade.

Four studio albums in 20 years, means that there are no time for filler tracks. The new material (from the forthcoming untitled album) goes down well with the crowd, but you notice a real wave of emotion, when more familiar tracks are performed.

The band aims for a cinematic feel to the gig and that's exactly what they achieve.

Admirably

Striking lighting frames each performer, including the fantastic Stephanie Dosen who admirably takes the classic Teardrop to a whole new level, moving many in the audience, but these are tears of joy, as this ethereal and iconic track is twice as haunting live in her capable hands.

Angel by acclaimed reggae star Horace Andy also pleases fans, both old and new with its mesmerising melodies and beautiful back beats.

Information, some meaningless, some important is beamed onto a screen behind them; a swipe at the media age, predominantly 24 hour news, whereby much of the news that we receive is "a series of olds."

This is later taken to the extreme when fans are invited to text their messages which often leads to pretentious chin-stroking moments of banality.

But the marvellous musicianship papers over these minor cracks.

Safe From Harm and Unfinished Sympathy sees the crowd dancing as if they are welcoming home old friends.

These classic tracks are sublime live, as they are like mini indie movies, slowly enveloping you within their narrative arcs, complete with disruptions that lead you down a new path; risky elements, which you rarely witness anymore.

This unique Bristol band turned a wet Saturday into a vibrant evening and despite looming black rain clouds, the bad weather was kept at bay by the simmering smorgasbord of talent that is Massive Attack.

What did you think? Have your say.