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Portishead "Rehearses" at LA's Mayan Theatre
First things first - if you attended this show and were one of the several men yip-yapping disrespectfully the entire time, I need you to get your act together and understand it took every ounce of my self-control not to punch you directly in the face. For those people, both attendees and sorry humans left at home, please understand I am not customarily so brutal; but, we are talking about Portishead here! Yes, that is the amazing, awe-inspiring group that put us through the agony of their nearly ten year hiatus. At last, I stand in the Mayan Theatre in downtown LA only to be nearly unable to hear the entrancing vocals of Beth Gibbons because said unappreciative jerks are “schmoozing.” Infuriating.
Luckily, the closer I moved to the stage, the more devoted the fans. To be clear, this was not considered a show but an “intimate” rehearsal. To my pleasant surprise, the performance became less personal and contrarily brimmed with adoring fans to celebrate this unparalleled experience. To describe Portishead as "intoxicating" still seems an understatement. If one notes that they are aging I would say, “Indeed they are, like fine wine.” They graced us with several new songs, including “Machine Gun” and I found them to be just as relevant, otherworldly, and beautiful as ever.
Considering how elusive and interview/appearance/promotion adverse Portishead has always been (and my subsequent minimal exposure to the image of Beth herself), it is still shocking to see that weighty, haunting sound depart from her mouth. Each word and breath escapes from a woman of petite frame, auburn hair, and wearing simply a black tee shirt, flip flops, and a pair of jeans. Her humility is equally shocking as every ending is marked by a half-moon smile and even “Sour Times” concluded with a small, “Sorry” and a disapproving “so-so” from her little hands. Of course, the audience argued with an uproar of cheers and even a plea for her hand in marriage.
Unfortunately, I count myself blessed for the simple fact that seeing Portishead in America, with the exception of Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 26, is very dismal. But alas, not all hope is lost! One can enjoy Portishead from the comfort of their own home on April 28 in the form of Third - the anticipated album release and first since1998's Roseland NYC Live. Assuming you are not from the handful of aforementioned jerks, run and buy a copy. I promise you will love it.
Videos: Portishead
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