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THE REVIEW
Beth Gibbons, with Portishead now on standby for years, released this album in 2002, along with Rustin' Man. It is a record far removed from trip-hop, from slowed hip hop rhythms, from disillusionments and pains, yet it remains very captivating, starting with the opening "Mysteries", an acoustic gem, a noble dark ballad, not coincidentally chosen as the first single: a piece of absolute beauty that aims for the rarity and sparseness of sounds: just an acoustic guitar about to perform an irresistible melody, Beth's voice caressing and hovering with insightful and somewhat dark emotions and a barely perceptible chorus, very much prewar '40s folk.
Still beautiful in the following "Tom The Model", the piece most inclined to trip hop, but still light years away, is enlivened by a very original rhythm and it is impossible not to listen to it twice.
The rest of the album is a kaleidoscope of jazzy pieces, with the extraordinary "Romance" standing out, a piece that, despite its title, does not sound like a love song as much as a piece that instills pain with that deep voice capable of tearing hearts, imparting pain but also admiration. A parade of more or less successful jazz pieces, from which the first two tracks and "Resolve", acoustic and short, yet certainly a great song, "Funny Time Of The Year", the pinnacle of Beth's art: a dream/nightmare where instruments chase each other in a crescendo of absolute splendor, and the less successful but creative "Rustin Man" that dangerously veers into a dreamy ambient.
An excellent album, not to be forgotten, to dream, forget worries, and enjoy a bit of art.
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Summary by Bot
Out Of Season by Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man offers a captivating break from trip-hop with its acoustic and jazzy compositions. Notable tracks like 'Mysteries' and 'Funny Time Of The Year' highlight Beth's emotional vocal delivery and the album’s artistic depth. While mostly jazz-inspired, the album blends sparse instrumentation with deep emotions, creating an unforgettable listening experience. A beautiful and artistic album perfect for dreaming and escaping worries.
Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man
British duo collaboration between vocalist Beth Gibbons (Portishead) and Paul Webb (Rustin Man, ex–Talk Talk), known for the 2002 album Out of Season and a short tour in 2003.04 Reviews
Other reviews
By Axelmoloko
Gibbons had all the time to find her personal artistic path, creating a work that is both intimate and emotional.
Despite being written in the age of full technological exploitation, the album moves wonderfully between folk and jazz atmospheres.
By Enkriko
Everything in this album is beauty, whispered power, infinite sweetness.
There are no more taxes and bills to pay... There is the ultimate desire to love, once again, despite the suffering and the fact that it is inevitable.
