Der Sound der Stille: Portisheads "Silence"

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Date
2014Author
Pahner, Patrick
Quotable link
http://dx.doi.org/10.22029/jlupub-848Abstract
The analysis of Portishead´s track »Silence« (2008) tries to interpret its numerous functional and semantic layers, e.g. temporal »confusion« achieved by a certain rhythmical ambiguity, the apparently fragmented lyrics, or the song´s former name »Wicca« etc. The interaction of these layers evokes a complex auditive perception, which I ... characterise as a feeling of »cohesionless coherence«. Finally, »Silence«´s unique sound, which presumably can be described as a balancing act between high and low fidelity, is taken into further consideration.
Original publication in
Samples 12 (2014), 07