Wandering stars

Portishead singer Beth Gibbons makes a long overdue return to Ireland on February 26 when herself and new musical partner, Rustin Man, play the Dublin Ambassador.

Expect a judicious plug for Out Of Season, the duo's debut album which is equal parts Nick Drake, Nina Simone and Radiohead.

"It was the chance to explore songwriting, to have another challenge," Gibbons reflects. "It was almost like a 'first time' vibe. I didn't want to imitate where I'd gone before. The only thing we were after was something relatively honest."