It starts off feeling like a song plucked from the soundtrack of Game of Thrones. I can just imagine John Snow looking off into some sunset or frozen tundra contemplating the fate of the world with that brooding scowl. The Mayday Mix was released about a week ago
Below the Mayday mix is the original for comparison. Obviously, they beefed up the strings in this new version, but they also removed Caroline Lavell's original vocals in favor of a more ambient approach. According to their website, they released this new mix in accordance with World Ocean Day, and they partnered up with the activist organization Parlay For The Oceans to make it happen. The OG version come's from Massive Attacks 1992 EP Hymm Of The Big Wheel. "Home of The Whale" is an adaptation of an old Irish folk song. They wanted to veer in a radically different artistic direction compared to what they put out on the massively successful Blue Lines.
Since its availability is sparse, I have to post a Spotify link to share it. Massive Attack is one of my favorite groups in the whole wide world, so if you're a fan of theirs too show me your favorites and let's nerd out! Gonna throw in the #classical-music tag because of that excellent cello.
Massive Attack - Home of The Whale (Mayday Mix)
https://open.spotify.com/album/60RC6QaoNOKFLNem1SuF7F
Massive Attack ft Caroline Lavelle - Home of the Whale