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Portishead is an English band, founded in 1991, that produces music that is best described as a mixture of trip-hop with a moody, cinematic, and experimental flair. Their music often draws upon samples from old jazz or orchestral recordings, as well as electronic beats, and a variety of other unconventional sound sources. The group's members include Geoff Barrow (who produces most of the music), Beth Gibbons (the lead vocalist), and Adrian Utley (who contributes guitar and other instruments). They have released several acclaimed albums over the years, including "Dummy" (1994), "Portishead" (1997), and "Third" (2008). The band's music is known for its haunting, atmospheric qualities, with many critics labeling them as the harbinger of the trip-hop genre that emerged from the British club scene of the early 1990s. The band's frontwoman, Beth Gibbons, has received high praise for her soulful and emotive singing style, which explores themes of heartbreak, loss, and other complex emotions. Their debut album, "Dummy," is widely regarded as a classic of the genre, with its stylishly bleak soundscapes and hits such as "Glory Box" and "Sour Times." The group's self-titled second album delves deeper into themes of despair and alienation, with songs like "All Mine" and "Over." Portishead's third album, "Third," deviates somewhat from their earlier sound, with a more experimental approach that incorporates influences such as krautrock and industrial music. It is perhaps their most challenging record, with songs such as "Machine Gun" employing aggressive and unconventional beats akin to a dystopian future. Despite being relatively inactive in recent years, Portishead remains a beloved and influential band, with their unique blend of melancholy and eclecticism inspiring many other artists in the years since their debut. Their ability to touch emotions through music, experiment with sound and create overtones of sadness to their music has made them an iconic band of their genre.