Portishead

British Trip-Hop Pioneers

Portishead is an influential British band that emerged during the mid-1990s and became one of the most prominent groups associated with the trip-hop genre. The band was formed in Bristol, England, in 1991, and consists of Beth Gibbons (vocals), Geoff Barrow (beats, production), and Adrian Utley (guitar, keyboards). They gained critical acclaim with their debut album "Dummy" released in 1994, which won the Mercury Music Prize in 1995 and is often credited with bringing the trip-hop sound into the mainstream. Their eponymous second album, "Portishead," was released in 1997 and continued their success with its atmospheric soundscapes and innovative production techniques. The band's live performances were captured in the album "Roseland NYC Live," released in 1998, which featured a performance with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. After a hiatus, Portishead returned with their third studio album "Third" in 2008, which marked a stylistic shift but was still met with critical acclaim. The band's influence on alternative music is significant, as they have inspired a wide range of artists across various genres with their dark, moody sound and innovative approach to music production.