RecentMusic - Portishead New Releases

Portishead

Portishead, originating from Bristol, England, is a band synonymous with the mid-1990s rise of trip-hop, a genre blending hip-hop beats, soulful melodies, and the atmospheric use of samples characteristic of electronic music. Formed in 1991, the group consists of the core trio Beth Gibbons, with her hauntingly emotive vocals, Geoff Barrow, handling the intricate production and turntablism, and Adrian Utley, whose guitar work adds a cinematic depth to their sound. The band’s name is taken from the small coastal town near Bristol where Barrow grew up.

Portishead's eponymous second album, "Portishead," released in 1997, followed their critically acclaimed debut “Dummy” (1994), protected the band's unique sound and helped solidify their place as trip-hop pioneers. The album featured hits such as "All Mine" and "Over," songs characterized by their dark and moody atmospheres paired with Gibbons' soul-searching vocal performances. The band’s third studio album, "Third," released in 2008 after an extended hiatus, saw them exploring new sounds and rhythms while maintaining their trademark gloomy aesthetic. Achieving substantial commercial success, Portishead toured extensively and their live prowess was captured in the album "Roseland NYC Live," which includes a remastered edition from 2023, showcasing the band’s ability to translate their enigmatic studio sound to the stage. The stand-alone track “Chase the Tear” for Amnesty International and "The Rip" demonstrate their continued relevance and ability to evolve within the ambient-electronic sphere.

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