Portishead

Portishead was founded in 1991 in Bristol by multi-instrumentalist Geoff Barrow and singer Beth Gibbons, who were soon joined by guitarist Adrian Ultay. The band is considered, next to Massive Attack and Tricky (with whom Barrow had previously worked), the originator of the trip hop style. Their first album Dummy (featuring the hit single Glory Box) was released in 1994 to a very enthusiastic reception by critics and listeners. This was borne out a year later when the band won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize. The band’s subsequent albums, Portishead (1997) and Third (2008), confirmed their position as one of the most offbeat groups in the British music scene.

From the very start, Portishead have situated themselves away from the musical mainstream and have been involved in activities aimed at promoting tolerance and human rights. In 2007 they wrote the score to the animated film Dark Angel, directed by Fursy Teyssier, about 20-year-old Sophie Lancaster who was beaten to death by violent yobs. In 2009 they recorded Chase the Tear for Amnesty International. The band members also work on a variety of independent projects. Most recently, Geoff Barrow has collaborated, as musical director, with Banksy on his film Exit Through the Gift Shop.

Currently Portishead are working on their fourth album so it is probable that we will hear some new pieces at the concert in Poznań. Without doubt, this will be one of the most exciting events in the musical market this year.