Bandsplain Massive Attack with Bre Morell
Nov 13, 2025
Bre Morell, a musician from Crushed and expert on Massive Attack, dives into the unique origins of the iconic band. She reveals how they unintentionally pioneered trip-hop in Bristol’s vibrant scene. The duo discusses the Wild Bunch collective’s blend of punk, reggae, and hip-hop, and how key figures shaped the group’s aesthetic. They explore the groundbreaking album Blue Lines, emphasizing its genre fusion and collaborations. Insightful stories about their evolution, cultural impact, and darker sounds in Mezzanine round out this captivating conversation.
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Accidental Genre Creation
- Massive Attack unintentionally invented "trip hop" by blending hip-hop, reggae, punk and dub into a new, slower groove around 1991.
- Their debut Blue Lines created a template others copied, making a whole scene despite the term arriving later.
Wild Bunch Birthplace
- The Wild Bunch DJ crew formed Bristol's cross-race, cross-class music scene, mixing punk, reggae and early hip-hop at the Dugout.
- Members included Grant "Daddy G" Marshall, 3D, Nellee Hooper, Willie Wee and later Mushroom, who seeded Massive Attack.
The Spliff Tempo Secret
- Blue Lines often sits at ~90 BPM—midway between reggae and hip-hop—creating its signature "spliff tempo" feel.
- That tempo choice made their music relaxed, intimate, and ideal for listening rather than club dancing.
