Beth Gibbons

It’s probably fair to say that the Portishead vocalist has never been one for giddy, sugar-pop fare but, here, she’s eschewed her trip-hop roots for immaculately recorded acoustic accompaniment.

And, in the process, she somehow lifts despondent spirits despite trembling beneath such cumbersome burdens. And, in pivoting to these worldly folk-y sounds of yesteryear she has signalled a brave consideration of the past, with all of its weight and regret, in the process - this might read as challenging listen but, with her effortlessly exhilarating vocals, she somehow lifts despondent spirits despite trembling beneath these cumbersome burdens. Beth Gibbons' debut solo album features 10 beautiful songs recorded over a period of 10 years. The album was produced by James Ford & Beth Gibbons with additional production by Lee Harris (Talk Talk). 'Lives Outgrown' is, by some measure, Beth’s most personal work to date, the result of a period of sustained reflection and change — “lots of goodbyes,” in Beth’s words. Farewells to family, to friends, even to her former self. These are songs from the mid-course of life, when looking ahead no longer yields what it used to, and looking back has a sudden, sharper focus.

Our Kevin says: "With themes exploring loss and grief, ‘Lives Outgrown’ reaches into some dark places. What’s been before...what might lie ahead...(a children’s choir sings “we’re all going to nowhere”). If this all sounds a bit gloomy, it is. But never fear, Beth’s careworn, haunting voice and the soaring strings take these songs to a level of their own. At times challenging, but gripping and thought provoking throughout, this is truly something special."