Trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack have teamed up with Kate Moss to create a sparse yet stunning video for "Ritual Spirit," the title track off their latest EP featuring vocals from Azekel. In the video, the model conjures the ritualistic spirit of the song as she dances with a lone light bulb in an otherwise dark space.
The video was directed by the band's own Robert del Naja, AKA 3D, alongside Medium. Watch it below.
In a statement, 3D said: "Me and Kate have been friends for years, but had never collaborated, so last year we booked a studio with Medium and set up a shoot," NME reports. "During the session Kate was dancing in the dark, lighting herself with a naked bulb. She perfectly captured the essence of this track ... intimate and ritualistic."
"We edited it back in Bristol to keep it raw with no retouching, I didn't want to lose the spirit of that moment," he added.
Moss said: "I have always been a huge fan of Massive Attack and 3D has been a friend for many years. When he asked me to collaborate with him I didn't have to think twice," Pitchfork reports.
The model, who has appeared in music videos for Oasis, Primal Scream, Elton John, Paul McCartney and the White Stripes, among others, added: "I always thought their visuals were amazing and I was proud to be in this video."
The new video follows clips for two other tracks from the EP. The visual for "Take It There," featuring vocalist Adrian "Tricky" Thaws, stars Deadwood actor John Hawkes. Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Pride & Prejudice) stars in the video for "Voodoo in My Blood," which features Young Fathers.
In addition to the aforementioned collaborations, the release features Big Dada's Roots Manuva on the track "Dead Editors." There's no word if that track is getting a visual of its own.
The four-track release dropped in January and was co-produced by del Naja and long-term studio collaborator Euan Dickinson. Not only is the EP the trip-hop outfit's first outing since 2010's Heligoland, but it also marks their first reunion with Tricky following 1994's Protection.
Ritual Spirit is reportedly the first of two EPs Massive Attack plans to release this year. The forthcoming EP, which is being co-produced by Grant "Daddy G" Marshall, is due sometime this spring. A full-length album is also on the way.
