Portishead are an English band formed in 1991 in Bristol, England, named after a nearby town of the same name, 8 miles west of Bristol. Alongside Massive Attack, the outfit are known for being pioneers of the trip-hop genre or “Bristol sound,” a style of downtempo electronic music that evokes a surreal, trippy, dreamy, and sometimes dark atmosphere, often incorporating elements of hip-hop.

The band consists of lead singer Beth Gibbons, programmer and producer Geoff Barrow, and multi-instrumentalist Adrian Utley. Dave McDonald, an engineer on their first two albums Dummy (1994) and Portishead (1997), is often cited as a member of the group also.

Following the release of their sophomore record, Portishead went on an extended hiatus, during which the members pursued various solo projects. It wasn’t until 2008 that they would return with their third studio album, aptly titled Third. This release showcased a more grandiose sound, still deploying the eerie trip-hop atmosphere fans were familiar with, but now incorporating elements of industrial music and krautrock.