It took the band 10 years to release their third album, Third, but less than two years later, a new Portishead single, “Chase the Tear” trickles out to support Amnesty International.
The song, described as buzzing synth-driven dark pop tune that’s more upbeat than the usual Portishead track, first aired in the UK on Zane Lowe’s BBC Radio 1 show December 9 and hit radio around the world on International Human Rights Day, December 10.
Released as an exclusive digital track from British download shop 7digital, on December 10, all earnings from the single go towards Amnesty International’s human rights work.
Chase the Tear
Portishead created an accompanying video of the band performing “Chase the Tear” which can be seen on Amnesty.org, YouTube or Portishead’s official website.
Not known for their prolific work, it is not believed that “Chase the Tear”, which refers to a paper tear or rip, not water leaking from eyes, is the first of a new batch of songs to be released anytime soon.
However, Portishead did tell the BBC’s 6 Music back in September that the band was currently working on new material for a full length album it hoped to release towards the end of 2010.
Portishead and Amnesty International
On it’s website, Amnesty International describes itself as “a campaigning organisation; it's what we do. Our purpose is to protect people wherever justice, fairness, freedom and truth are denied.”
“It's very exciting for Amnesty to have such generosity from the band,” charity spokeswoman Chloe Baird-Murray told the BBC. “It's not just a Christmas track, it's something that can last.
"I think it's a departure from where they've been working, really going into a very upbeat and exciting track, but still with the amazing vocals. We think the track's fantastic.”
International Human Rights Day
December 10, 2009 International Human Rights Day, marks the 51st anniversary of the United Nation’s “Universal Declaration Of Human Rights”, set forth on 10 December 1948.
The Universal Declaration Of Human Rights was the first time a document clearly stated the fundamental rights of every person living on the planet regardless of race, sex, religion or colour, in every nation around the world.
The Universal Declaration Of Human Rights includes the right to life, liberty, security, the freedoms of opinion, association and expression, and the right not to be subjected to torture or cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment. More information can be found in the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights section of Amnesty International’s website.
The new Portishead single “Chase the Tear” is available for download now.
James W. Coates - A nomad at heart, James W. Coates has been combining his passion for music, writing and traveling ever since his father packed the family ...
