If you ask me the perfect antidote to modern life and all of its complications is unlikely to be provided by of a couple of Massive Attack fans from Bristol, in much the same way that the answer to the Cluster Munitions Treaty agreed in Dublin is unlikely to have been resolved by the traditional Irish dancers laid on as entertainment, as impressive as their rigid upper bodies and precise foot movements clearly were to onlookers. And much the same thing is evident here: it’s consummate, imaginative even, but Day One lack that killer bite. Whilst tracks like ‘Travelcard Traveller’ and ‘Bad Before It Get’s Good’ are packed with no end of hooks and honourable vibes, the loping beats, folksy roots signatures and brass stabs are only a notch or two up on acts like ‘OMC’ and that dreadful ‘How Bizarre’. It’s hip-hop with a friendly face, a handful of cheeky expressions, a crazy range of influences and some organic vegetables. It’s not crusty exactly, but it does have something rather fusty about it. Like Beck but with softer edges.
The band’s appearences have included The Glastonbury Festival, Benicassim, T in the Park, and V Festival. They were invited to join Muse and The Flaming Lips on their French Les Inrocktible tour later in 2000.
Sharpest cuts on the album include the smoky, flutely, quirky jazz rap of The Little Things’ and “Give It To Me” featuring the Black Eyed Pea’s Will. I. Am.