Third

Third is Portishead's 2008 album that shifts from their sample-driven trip hop roots toward a harsher, more experimental sound combining stark electronic and industrial beats, analog synth textures, sparse guitar and occasional folk-leaning melodies. Beth Gibbons's vocals are often rawer and more exposed, framed by minimalist arrangements, sudden bursts of noise, and unconventional song structures that emphasize atmosphere over groove. The result feels like a deliberate reinvention that bridges trip hop, downtempo and experimental rock while retaining a dark, intimate mood.