What a fantastic show!
They were on my list to see FOREVER. So thrilled i finally got to see Portishead, as it seems almost rare to be able to say that. That unique sound that makes them one of a kind band and that captured us in their albums, was absolutely spot on all night.
Beth Gibbons' voice...so tragic and beautiful at the same time. What range. Every note she hit tugged on emotions you may have felt at some point in your life, or just discovered for the first time. She was open, vulnerable, soft, and at one point...even channeling some anger through one of her songs, almost reminiscent of Bjorg. An emotion not too familiar with classic Portishead fans, but even as she screamed her lyrics out, it couldn't help but to come out tragically poetic.
With the background screen extended top to bottom, and all away across the entire length of the stage, we were truly treated to a masterful piece of visual images(almost like watching a movie) complimenting their classic trip hop sounds that touched all your senses available. This, along with the perfectly chosen hue of lights for their songs (purple, blue, red,) made for a unique experience. This was especially felt during their third song, "Cowboys", in which they slowed down ever so slightly with the base beat, seemingly pulling you in with them. Jason Fine on the guitar had almost a bluesy style completely in sync with the base beat. Was fantastic.
Without a doubt, "Glory Box" is a favorite for most Portishead fans...and they did not disappoint! Again, they seemed to slow the beat down ever so slightly here, to really draw us in. Best moment was towards the end when the song reaches it apex for drum as she leads it into it with, "for this is the beginning of forever.."..which the band really gave her with heavy drums and guitar...only to stop it abruptly as it settled back into the soft classic beat of Gory Box, and Beth resuming with "I'm so tired...of waiting...waiting for a broken arrow...etc".
The PNE forum for a show has fantastic sound, believe it or not! I think it's the "barn" like roof structure that lends itself to good acoustics. Smashing Pumpkins was also great there. Similar to a highschool gym,but once inside, we felt like we were at a club, with bleacher seating up along the sidewalls, where we sat, and it's a great view as you are high enough row to row. I can't imagine there was more than 2000-3000 people there. Nice intimate setting for Portishead. :)
Opening act: Quite simply, whoever the opening act was...sucked. We were forced to listen to 2 guitar players and s drummer going off on one big solo for 35 minutes essentially, with no distinction between songs. Alot of build up, with no finish. Apparently they played about 5 different songs. No lead singer, just a back up singer/guitarist. Tough to back up yourself. lol I heard a few fans even yelling, "Play a song!"