Massive Attack have joined forces with Tom Waits for a politically-charged single, 'Boots On The Ground'
All vinyl profits will go to the ACLU and US Immigrant Defense Project.
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Sessions · Playlists · Behind the scenes
All vinyl profits will go to the ACLU and US Immigrant Defense Project.
Get more Dork
Sessions · Playlists · Behind the scenes
Bristol duo Massive Attack have unveiled an unexpected collaboration with Tom Waits. The new track, 'Boots On The Ground', features additional vocals from Waits' son Casey and represents the singer-songwriter's first recorded output since the 2011 album 'Bad As Me'.
Accompanying the release is a film assembled by Massive Attack using work from US photo artist thefinaleye. The visual piece documents the aftermath of large-scale American protests opposing ICE raids, the militarisation of domestic forces, and state authoritarianism. Opening text in the video reads: "From the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis on 5th May 2020, to recent ICE raids on migrant communities and the killing of civilians that protect them. From the brutal state repression of public protest, to the reality of American homelessness that includes nearly 33,000 military veterans." It closes by naming those who have lost their lives to ICE and addressing the consequences of oppressive retaliation against protesters.
Waits explained that the collaboration had been in the works for some time. "Way back then, we sent them 'Boots On The Ground'," he said. "Their long release delay never worried me. Today, as in all of mankind's yesterdays, guarantees this song will never go out of style. Man's fiasco folly 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."
Speaking about working with Waits, Massive Attack said: "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 and abandoned mind."
An exclusive vinyl edition of the single will include a b-side from Waits titled 'The Fly'. Environmental considerations have shaped the physical release, with Massive Attack partnering with Good Neighbor on an 'EcoSonic' pressing manufactured from 100 per cent recycled PET via energy-efficient injection moulding. Recycled, FSC-certified paper stock and recycled polyethylene have been used for the sleeves and outer slipcases respectively. Every penny of profit from vinyl sales will go to the American Civil Liberties Union and the US Immigrant Defense Project.
A spoken word reflection on the themes explored in the track, written by novelist Omar El Akkad, is also due to be published.
The release arrives during a turbulent period for the group. Robert Del Naja was recently among 500 people arrested at a peaceful London protest in support of Palestine Action. Massive Attack's last release was the 2020 EP 'Eutopia', while their most recent full-length record remains 2010's 'Heligoland'. A spokesperson confirmed that "further releases are scheduled prior and subsequent to the band's run of live performances" planned for this summer. Notably, 'Boots On The Ground' is the first Massive Attack music to be distributed under a Spotify exemption policy, following the group's public dispute with the streaming platform over CEO Daniel Ek's reported investment in military technology firm Helsing.
