Machine Gun

I remember reading some time ago that Beth Gibbon, Geoff Barrow and Adrian Utley were struggling in the making of “3” but if this tune is anything to go by they’ve been playing games with all of us. There’s nothing astonishing about this tune other than the tune itself. Its not as layered as some of the Portishead earlier material, it certainly has more of a minimal feel and for the first time ever the ridiculous phrase “less is more” makes sense. This tune sounds as simple as the title of the eagerly awaited third album from our friends from over the bridge. 

A simple but pounding beat that etches its way into the memory banks is the driving force of the record but Beth Gibbon sounds more beautifully haunting than ever. This isn’t the Portishead of old but it’s certainly them moving into a sound that will be something special to say the least. The same repeated beat seems to get the time stretch treatment to make it sound more synthetic and leads into an amazing Terminator style ending to one of the best tunes I’ve heard this year.

If tunes this good take ten years to make I suggest all you proud parents invest in some drum machines and synthesisers for your little ones pronto. Time it right, and they could be spared the 9 to 5 sentence forever.

words by Neil