“Splitting the Atom” is the new four-song EP from Trip Hop pioneers Massive Attack. These guys have been at it since the 80s, working with a wide variety of vocalists, writing some of their own music, remixing the music of others, and just generally littering the music landscape with gold and platinum records in half a dozen countries. This release features 4 new songs, two of which are remixes. I found the release a little surprising, though I don’t suppose there is any such thing as an atypical sound for Massive Attack. Suffice it to say they are still breaking new ground and producing fresh sounds.

The EP opens with the title track, ‘Splitting the Atom,’ a low-energy song with plodding keyboards and quiet vocals provided by roots reggae performer Horace Andy, who is back in the studio with Massive Attack. It’s a catchy melody though and the song continues to grow on me. The second track ‘Pray for Rain,’ is another slow song but the energy is very different. Ominous keyboards and rumbling percussion sets a dark stage for Tunde Adebimpe’s (TV on the Radio) vocals. Again the melody is cool and the song is a winner.

On ‘Bulletproof Love (Van Rivers & The Subliminal Kid Remix),’ the vocal melody, provided by Elbow front man Guy Garvey, wanders aimlessly while the keyboards bubble and whine. The percussion is intermittent and trippy and the result is another winner. Long time Tricky collaborator Martina Topley-Bird provides the vocals for the final track, ‘Psyche (Flash Treatment).’ This track sounds like something Massive Attack might have released on Mezzanine, with atmospheric synthesizers and steady, snapping percussion

The EP is only available as a download unless you can lay your hands on one of the 1000 copies pressed on vinyl. You can listen to every one of the tracks on YouTube before you decide to buy, but I am confident any fans of the band will want all 4 tracks.