Portishead: Third

Label: mercury

No one but Portishead could pull something like this off. Think about it; one of the three or four definitive trip-hop groups in the 90’s puts out two albums that not only set up the genre but become slow-burning classics that sculpt musical minds in all circles for years to come. They wait eleven years and put out a record that not only contends with those first classics, but branches off into sonic territory they never even touched before. If you’re expecting a rehash or even a glowing update of Dummy, this is NOT it. Instead we’re treated to eleven new scorching, inventive and outlandishly killer songs. Beth Gibbons voice, unparalleled in haunted elegance, remains the centerpiece of the entire show, and churning, troubling, stellar production and creepy grooves seep out of every track. The aptly titled first single “Machine Gun” rides a beat so distortedly powerful the rhythm track alone makes the song. Elsewhere we find glitchy electronica, lurking yet shimmery guitars and spacey dirges that would make the Silver Apples jealous. This record is transcendent, beyond important. Fully essential. (Fred)