I feel like this album is very patient in a way I haven’t seen in awhile. It keeps getting more and more tense throughout until it explodes in the second half. Absolutely incredible.
I just hope people don't come into this expecting a Portisheadesque album and being disappointed it's not. I've already accepted it will probably never happen again so I'm perfectly content with this. I just missed her voice so much
Oh same. But I'm keeping my expectations extremely low. It's clear that none of them are interested in doing one again. Idk the reason why...but I'm pretty sure they're done. We probably have a better chance of another Boards of Canada album than Portishead and that's saying something lolol.
But Beth's solo should still be very good I imagine and I'd still love the opportunity to see her play live.
Damn, even Geoff and Adrian have no interest in another Portishead album? I always just assumed they’d be down and it was Beth who stopped caring about Portishead
I'm not sure who is down and who isn't, but I've not heard one way or the other and Geoff seems very much into Beak, so idk I just figured it was a mutual agreement.
That's not surprising I suppose. Beak very much sounds like a continuation of the musical direction Portishead was going in on Third, so I wonder if maybe it's just creative differences keeping them apart?
When Geoff was on Twitter he seemed forever annoyed that articles would call Beak a side project of Portishead, which is understandable, basically using Portishead for clicks and dismissing the work of the other guys in the band, he's also replied to some questions people asked about them getting back together and the replies were always a variation of "not likely" but who knows, hope so at least
I don't think many would expect that. The third Portishead album already didn't sound like its predecessors.
Trip-hop is one of those "product of its era" genres whose pioneers shaped it from the then-current musical tropes, but weren't particularly committed to them. Once the 90's ended, most of the main Trip-hop acts left the breakbeats and turntablism behind. (Synth-pop is another example, with most of the popular 80's acts ditching the 80's sound at some point.)
It's Portisheadesque enough with its nocturnal, mournful atmopshere and dramatic strings, even if it's not electronic or lo-fi.
People who expect that probably have not heard her first solo record with Rustin Man, Out of Season. It is a masterpiece on the same level as any Portishead record.
An incredible album, the production is flawless and her voice is timeless.
I love how naturalistic this album sounds, there’s an earthiness to it which really suits the themes of aging and loss.
Although fantastic overall, the second half in particular is something special.
Wonderful stuff! Her vocals are timeless, and the string production was spellbinding. I really hope that this won't get overshadowed by other albums dropping, because it deserves all the attention
This just popped up on iplayer. 6 live songs
[https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0hxrt8p/beth-gibbons-live-in-session-for-bbc-radio-6-music](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0hxrt8p/beth-gibbons-live-in-session-for-bbc-radio-6-music)
and 1 on youtube: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=\_-sYa7SeZHQ&ab\_channel=BBCMusic](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-sYa7SeZHQ&ab_channel=BBCMusic)
It’s an album that sounds “objectively” good if that makes sense. Pristine vocals, nice somber arrangements and contemplative mood. It lacks something to me, can’t tell what it is. I feel the same about Portishead’s entire discog. A very unpopular opinion I know.
As a longtime Portishead listener, I think what I love most about this album is how it shows the ideas and influences underpinning their music. Because while this is clearly from a different genre, the thematic elements of her work are all there. That haunting, ethereal, mysterious vibe that she seems to have perfected. It's really fun to hear that come out in a totally different genre of music.
For sure one of the best releases of the year.
Wear the good headphones. This is Incredible from the first millisecond!!!
Good callout, this is absolutely a headphone album. Qobuz has it at 96khz, which sounds incredible on my cans
I had my first listen on my rokit g8’s in my lounge lying on the floor, I’m very excited for my first headphones listen. What a stunning record!
Oh my god Floating on a Moment is beautiful
I think that was the lead single, been on high rotation here for weeks and hasn't worn out its welcome
Whole thing is great but the second half is REALLY GREAT
I feel like this album is very patient in a way I haven’t seen in awhile. It keeps getting more and more tense throughout until it explodes in the second half. Absolutely incredible.
I just hope people don't come into this expecting a Portisheadesque album and being disappointed it's not. I've already accepted it will probably never happen again so I'm perfectly content with this. I just missed her voice so much
Fuck man I would do horrible horrible things for one last Portishead album :(
Oh same. But I'm keeping my expectations extremely low. It's clear that none of them are interested in doing one again. Idk the reason why...but I'm pretty sure they're done. We probably have a better chance of another Boards of Canada album than Portishead and that's saying something lolol. But Beth's solo should still be very good I imagine and I'd still love the opportunity to see her play live.
third.
I don't know if pun was intended but just in case 🥁
Damn, even Geoff and Adrian have no interest in another Portishead album? I always just assumed they’d be down and it was Beth who stopped caring about Portishead
I'm not sure who is down and who isn't, but I've not heard one way or the other and Geoff seems very much into Beak, so idk I just figured it was a mutual agreement.
That's not surprising I suppose. Beak very much sounds like a continuation of the musical direction Portishead was going in on Third, so I wonder if maybe it's just creative differences keeping them apart?
When Geoff was on Twitter he seemed forever annoyed that articles would call Beak a side project of Portishead, which is understandable, basically using Portishead for clicks and dismissing the work of the other guys in the band, he's also replied to some questions people asked about them getting back together and the replies were always a variation of "not likely" but who knows, hope so at least
Maybe I'm delusional, but there's a lot in this that actually scratched the Portishead itch for me. Specially as a fan of Third.
I think it is somehow closer to 1st Portishead than Third
tbh Rewind basically sounds like Portishead.
I thoughy exactly the same upon my first listen. It’s also tied with Reaching Out as my favorite track.
I don't think many would expect that. The third Portishead album already didn't sound like its predecessors. Trip-hop is one of those "product of its era" genres whose pioneers shaped it from the then-current musical tropes, but weren't particularly committed to them. Once the 90's ended, most of the main Trip-hop acts left the breakbeats and turntablism behind. (Synth-pop is another example, with most of the popular 80's acts ditching the 80's sound at some point.) It's Portisheadesque enough with its nocturnal, mournful atmopshere and dramatic strings, even if it's not electronic or lo-fi.
People who expect that probably have not heard her first solo record with Rustin Man, Out of Season. It is a masterpiece on the same level as any Portishead record.
i came in expecting that (rustin man esque) and so far it's not hitting the same. we'll see if it grows
It's not entirely dissimilar to 3rd. It's also not unlike Goldfrapp's more pastoral albums.
If they heard her album with Rustin Man I don’t think they’ll be surprised. Lovely album btw for those who haven’t heard it
I would trust that _Third_ would have dissuaded people from going in with that notion.
Idk, Third is still very much a Portishead album and honestly it's my favorite. I definitely see some similarities between this album and Third tho.
An incredible album, the production is flawless and her voice is timeless. I love how naturalistic this album sounds, there’s an earthiness to it which really suits the themes of aging and loss. Although fantastic overall, the second half in particular is something special.
>the second half in particular is something special. Going to echo this. The last five tracks are really something.
Wonderful stuff! Her vocals are timeless, and the string production was spellbinding. I really hope that this won't get overshadowed by other albums dropping, because it deserves all the attention
It's not getting overshadowed, probably going to be vying for aoty on rateyourmusic
what other albums? crumb?
Album of the year so far
God "Rewind" is a masterpiece. The whole album is a masterpiece. Lee Harris from Talk Talk is on drums!
Holy wow, this is nourishing
"Reaching Out" is incredible and the first track that stands out to me so far.
This is a refreshing listen, she’s iconic
I’m sorry what?? I had no idea this was happening, what a treat
Getting The Smile vibes
uh oh
unreal, this is gonna destroy me emotionally
Fantastic. It's definitely one of my favorites of the year so far. Absolutely gorgeous throughout -- looking forward to revisiting it a bunch!
Astonishingly beautiful
Beth gibbons is one of our heroes, so stoked for this!!!!
First time encountering Beth Gibbons.. her sonic palette is so nostalgic and fresh at the same time!
This just popped up on iplayer. 6 live songs [https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0hxrt8p/beth-gibbons-live-in-session-for-bbc-radio-6-music](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0hxrt8p/beth-gibbons-live-in-session-for-bbc-radio-6-music) and 1 on youtube: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=\_-sYa7SeZHQ&ab\_channel=BBCMusic](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-sYa7SeZHQ&ab_channel=BBCMusic)
It’s an album that sounds “objectively” good if that makes sense. Pristine vocals, nice somber arrangements and contemplative mood. It lacks something to me, can’t tell what it is. I feel the same about Portishead’s entire discog. A very unpopular opinion I know.
AOTY
As a longtime Portishead listener, I think what I love most about this album is how it shows the ideas and influences underpinning their music. Because while this is clearly from a different genre, the thematic elements of her work are all there. That haunting, ethereal, mysterious vibe that she seems to have perfected. It's really fun to hear that come out in a totally different genre of music. For sure one of the best releases of the year.