Portishead

Third

First released2008

Portishead recorded "Third" primarily at their own studio in Bristol between 2005 and 2008, marking a significant departure from their previous work with a more organic, live instrumentation approach. The album was self-produced by the band members themselves—Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons, and Adrian Utley—without external producers, allowing them complete creative control over the sonic direction. The recording process emphasized analog techniques and live performances, with the band layering acoustic guitars, strings, and unconventional percussion rather than relying heavily on the electronic production that defined their earlier sound. This shift reflected both the band's artistic evolution and their response to the post-9/11 global climate, resulting in a darker, more introspective work compared to their 1997 breakthrough "Dummy." The album's production represented a deliberate move away from trip-hop conventions, incorporating influences from krautrock, post-punk, and experimental music.