Music / News

Portishead cover ABBA’s ‘SOS’

By Bristol24/7  Wednesday Apr 27, 2016

The first new Portishead track in six years was leaked online on Tuesday. A cover of ABBA’s 1975 smash SOS, it was recorded for the soundtrack of High Rise, Ben Wheatley’s movie adaptation of the Ballard novel. 

Portishead’s version is quite radical. Whereas the original, with its melancholy verses and soaring chorus is a masterpiece of pop dynamics, the Bristol group channel the song’s heartbroken lyrics.

Their minimal arrangement – just drum machine, synth and a hushed, anguished vocal – makes for a truly bleak take on an all-time classic.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.
Community member Find out more

The song’s leak prompted this reaction from Portishead’s Geoff Barrow:

 

Planning your next gig? Visit our What’s On guide

Tags:

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Featured Perks

  • £10 off tickets to the final week of Disney’s Aladdin at the Hippodrome

    £10 off tickets to the final week of Disney’s Aladdin at the Hippodrome

    Get whisked away to a whole new world with the cast of Aladdin

    Claim Perk
  • £5 off when you spend £15 at Better Food

    £5 off when you spend £15 at Better Food

    Better Food is offering all Bristol24/7 members £5 off their shopping when they spend £15 between Thursday 16 July and Wednesday 29 July.

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off purchases from the We The Curious online shop

    10% off purchases from the We The Curious online shop

    We\'ve teamed up with We The Curious to offer you 10% off in their excellent online shop. 

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off stays at Beech House

    10% off stays at Beech House

    Urban Apartments are offering members a discount on a Whiteladies Road stay

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off your food bill at Nadu

    10% off your food bill at Nadu

    We\'ve teamed up with Sri Lankan restaurant Nadu to offer Bristol24/7 members 10% off their food bill Sunday - Thursday. 

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off your food bill at Nadu

    10% off your food bill at Nadu

    We\'ve teamed up with Sri Lankan restaurant Nadu to offer Bristol24/7 members 10% off their food bill Sunday - Thursday. 

    Claim Perk

Most read

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Monthly £5/month Annually £45/year
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Monthly £180/month* Annually £2000/year*
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Monthly £5/month Annually £45/year
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning
Sign up
×

Select Your Membership