:: Portishead - Third

Portishead

The Bristol band formed in 1991, hit the heady heights with a stellar debut in ‘Dummy’, an album that even now fourteen years later, still is talked about in excited tones. Their next self-titled release came in ‘97, and while it had its moments, it wasn't a patch on its predecessor. Then quite amazingly, they just seemed to disappear into the ether, taking a hiatus while at the peak of their popularity. In the process, they left many fans who loved their moody trip-hop stylings scratching their heads wondering why. Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons and Adrian Utley, each went their separate ways to work on solo projects and other pursuits. They didn't appear again until 2005, when they participated as part of the Tsunami benefit concert, and it was around this time they decided to get back together to write and record 'Third’. Fourteen years on from ‘Dummy’, while they still create a buzz for their long-suffering fans, it‘d be fair to say most of us have moved on, replacing Portishead with other bands and music to fill that long void they left. But this may have worked in their favour, as they got on with the recording away from the spotlight, and have again conjured up some incredibly eerie songs and moving tunes. It feels like they never left. Admittedly, it's not their best effort, and time and music has certainly moved on, but there is definitely a place and time for Portishead. The mood throughout the album is increasingly dark and claustrophobic, as the songs change direction shifting in and out of focus, sometimes very suddenly but ultimately 'Third’ is a rewarding listen. Let's hope we don’t have to wait so long next time.