With the reemergence of 90s aesthetics, the flash-in-the-pan genre of Trip-Hop is bound to reassert its influence in the coming years. That being said, I’ll take any excuse to discuss the magic Portishead captured on their brilliant 1994 album Dummy.

The second track, “Sour Times,” is a sorrowful song, with an instrumental swoon and ringing percussion ushering us in. As they fade, a shuffling snare and scant guitar melody carry us in. Lead singer Beth Gibbons struggles with her clashing desires: 

“’Cause nobody loves me, it’s true /

Not like you do” 

She simultaneously believes in and needs true love and affection, but questions its existence. The “Forbidden fruit” she needs is tempting her. Her writing here is very cryptic, never referencing any experiences or lovers. Listening as the snare keeps shuffling on and Gibbons keeps struggling, it’s a striking listen.

Despite the serious topic, the song exists almost as quickly as it enters, with record scratches and a final rendition of the chorus closing the door.