Ten years. Ten whole fucking years to make one album.
Initially when I heard Portishead were making another album I just shrugged it off. Oh sweet, I thought, another old band getting back together and making a record because they need the money.
But the truth is Portishead never broke up. Up until this new album the band has been on hiatus.
Their first two albums were great, you know, they were fun. I mean they didn't really stand out for me, and yes, I'll admit, I found them at times a little boring. Trip hop seems... well... it seems so 90s. I think it's because I wasn't a teenager in 94 and that I've grown up listening to this stuff in retrospect. It's not really... uh... relevant?
Well, okay, I'm being a toss.
Portishead's first two albums were great. Really great. But not Mezzanine great. The songs just didn't seem to fit together. Maybe a little too clean, a little too safe?
Third, I can safely say, is the best thing I have heard this year. It is fragile, delicate and intricate. Opener Silence just happens, really happens in front of you. Guitar lines crack and sizzle around Gibbons' soft vocals, there's this drum beat that just fucking makes you want to grit your teeth it's so good. Then these strings flood the track and you're ears just want to implode.
Every track is a standout. Third is a perfect balance between sonic noise, electric and acoustic sounds. Portishead have accomplished what every band searches for: consistency in tone. The whole album just drips of atmosphere. Acoustic guitars replace synthesizers, drums echo in cavernous reverbs and Gibbons' vocals are never far from distortion or a slap delay.
Third lives up to its hype. It really takes you somewhere; somewhere not too far from Burial's Untrue or The Knife's Silent Shout. And it's not too removed from the band's first two efforts - Third still sounds like Portishead. Portishead with a darker twist.
And thank god there's no fucking vinyl scratching on this record.
You know what I mean.
Jonny Yes Yes
flukazoid
mike(punch)
Sean
troyox
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Seriously, this album is nuts. I'm starting to think this may be album of the year so far.
May 8, 2008 at 00:26