To me it's the best record they've made, and I'm glad they haven't (to my ears) rested on their laurels. The record does seem to unfold as a cohesive piece, and feels to me as quite realized rather than a scattering of undercooked songs. Regardless of your opinion, true discovery relies only on true adventure. Making another Portishead 1 or 2 record would negate their validity as real adventurers. They're giving the world what it needs.....less trip hop. I'm the furthest thing from a hardcore fan of this group. I dug the first records a bit but I heard a sample of this one and just had to hear the rest.....namely because of the production. It's a real ace lp.........leave yourself open and take care