Massive Attack, Martina Topley-Bird

Review: OK, got to level with you here. Today is a particularly manic day at Time Out Towers and there has not been much time to compose a sensible review for last night’s Massive Attack gig on the Opera House steps. So, for expediency’s sake, I asked four of the guys I went with to give me their impressions. They are not journalists, but they are all regular gig goers with impressive music knowledge so their opinions are valid.

Massive Attack play the second and final Sydney show tonight. If you can get tickets, go. Click here for a flavour of what they were like last night.

JACK
What I liked: The venue (obviously), the sound quality for an outside gig was superb and the fact that 3D seemed like he was genuinely enjoying himself for possibly the first time in his life.
What I didn't like: The slightly watered down version of ‘Unfinished Sympathy’ was the only negative point of the evening (and the fact that Tricky and Mushroom didn’t appear on stage and perform Eurochild). Highlight of the night: Where to start? The thunderous ‘Angel’, the mesmerising ‘Safe From Harm’, 3D’s spitting lyrics on ‘Karmacoma’, the incredible ‘Teardrop’, the lightshow...
Overall mark out of 10: 9

JAMES
What I liked: The light show which was strobe-tastic; the thunderous sound system; and of course the setting.
What I didn't like: The constant political and/or random messages that got pushed around the stage. Not so much from the angle of someone pushing a point down your throat, but I found it was more of a distraction. For example I could tell you that you can pick up an AK47 up for $470, but have no recollection of the song playing at the time! Also ‘Teardrop’ was a disappointment: where was the haunting intro?! If it ain't broke, don’t fix it!
Highlight of the night: The tune after 'Unfinished Symphony'. Not sure what it is called but it rocked. Overall mark out of 10: 6

TIM
What I liked: The setting. The LED screen. The new encore – 'Atlas Air' is an awesome tune.
What I didn't like: The queue for the bars. The ticket price. The revised version of 'Teardrop' – it was lame. Highlight of the night: The cheer Grant Marshall received when he delivered his first line.
Overall mark out of 10: 8

LLOYD
What I liked: How fresh 'Safe From Harm' sounded after all these years – genius.
What I didn't like: The hot dogs – cold and rubbish.
Highlight of the night: Karmacoma 
Overall mark out of 10: 9

Other Events at the Sydney Opera House

• The Edge Series - Campbelltown Arts Centre