Bristol’s Portishead are one of the most enigmatic of bands to have emerged from British music over the last three decades. Having emerged seemingly fully formed with a singular sound and vision for its presentation, they have just three albums to their name in that time, a small but massively influential body of work.

Appearing in cinemas to mark its twenty-fifth anniversary, this document of Portishead performing live in New York was filmed in July 1997, just weeks before the release of the band’s self-titled second album. Augmented for the occasion by a 28-piece orchestra, it sees Geoff Barrow, Adrian Utley, and magnetic, charismatic singer Beth Gibbons giving remarkable renditions of new songs and highlights of the album including “Cowboys” and “Over”, as well as favourites such as “Sour Times” and “Glory Box“ from their 1994 debut album Dummy.

Notes by Kevin Coyne