(06.12.08) Portishead is long synonymous with trip-hop beats, the deep space notes of a Theremin, and the raspy wail of Beth Gibbons. It’s the perfect make out music. And it’s been 10 years since their last release. So when I heard that their newest recording was out, I was eager to once again experience that gorgeous, signature Portishead sound.
Listening repeatedly to the new album, Third, took a lot of patience for me. “Deep Water,” features the pluck of a ukulele and Gibbon’s voice, sounding reminiscent of the quirky, retro band Squirrel Nut Zippers. Hunter opens with promise, and is a slight memory of Portishead past –but more like slow-motion “Esquivel” with some random synth and electric guitar thrown in. After that, they go entirely off the reservation.
I’m all for experimentation. Bands evolve, try new sounds, keep things fresh. But for Portishead, this seems more like a regression. There’s a lot of noise, and it’s not pretty noise (its machine gun bursts and industrial samples). Its piercing notes like an Emergency Broadcasting System test on the radio. All the extra layers seem incongruous with the silk of Gibbon’s voice –which lacks the confidence of prior recordings –and they prove to be more distracting than anything. The exceptions with tracks like “The Rip and Plastic” are benign and lacking the energy and mood we’ve come to expect. Why the big change? Maybe having Victoria’s Secret use “All Mine” in a bra commercial sent them running for a different angle.
With Dummy, a flawless collection of songs from start to finish, I fell in love with this stripped-down band and their otherworldly, sensual sounds. It’s that sensuality that is missing in Third. Even their 1998 release, a live set from Roseland NYC featuring a full orchestra, harnessed a quivering, lush quality that made it an instant favorite. Having listened to Third several times and trying to find the sweet spot, I found myself cringing instead of swooning. Maybe it’s my ears getting older, or maybe I’m just nostalgic for the woozy days of Glorybox. Whatever the reason, I can’t get on board with the new Portishead.
Third is out now on Mercury/Island.
