My take on Portishead - Third

I just listened to the new Portishead record, Third, and I figured I’d give my 2 cents on it. I think it’s F*CKING amazing. Unfortunately I don’t know if that’s a good thing. Let me explain. I’ve been waiting for this record for close to 10 years now and I don’t know if it’s a “nostalgia” factor mixed with trip-hop comfort food or if it, very simply, is a phenomenal record. I’d like to think it’s the latter. So I’m going to go with that. Third, comes off as both equally dark and cold while still being sweet and heartfelt. Which means it’s business as usual for Portishead. Anyone who has enjoyed Portishead in the past will find something they'll dig here. Beth Gibbons’ voice is just as haunting as ever, and the band is still tight. Some fave tracks include “Plastic”, which sounds like it could have been a single off of their 1997 album, and “We Carry On”, with it’s synth repetition and killer vocal wailing, is just intense. I would recommend putting this album on repeat and set the way back machine to 1997. Cheers!

RATING: * * * *