Portishead Release Stunning New Song

Portishead

Since they broke through in 1994 with Dummy (No. 74 on SPIN's list of 100 Greatest Albums, 1985-2005), pioneering trip-hop act Portishead has been notoriously reclusive, dropping just two more studio albums over the ensuing 15 years. It's a big deal when new music from their camp sees the light of day -- and today is one of those days.

The Bristol, England-based trio have released a new single, "Chase the Tear," and it's available for purchase now via 7digital.com.

Why should you buy it? First, it's absolutely spellbinding, with a hypnotic analog synth line pulsing beneath Beth Gibbons' spectral vocals -- much akin to the vibe of the group's spectacular 2008 album, Third.

Second, it benefits a great cause. Today is International Human Rights Day, and all proceeds from sales of "Chase the Tear" (that's "tear," as in "tearing a sheet of paper") benefit Amnesty International.

Click here to buy the track (it's just 99 cents), and visit Amnesty's UK site to watch the song's simple but elegant video.