Beth Gibbons at the Albert Hall, Manchester.

By Kara McCarron.

Portishead frontwoman Beth Gibbons played a solo sold out show at Manchester's Albert Hall, and we were lucky enough to be there to capture it.

Blending alternative indie rock with folk elements, Beth Gibbons stepped out from the electric ambient sound of Portishead into a new solo project, and was met with incredible feedback. Her new album Lives Outgrown as been flying off the shelves, and fans jumped at the chance to see Gibbons perform it live. Following support from Bill Ryder-Jones, the set opened with "Tell Me Who You Are Today" a haunting folk piece that turned the Albert Hall into a midnight forest-scape.

Continuing with "Burden of Life" and "Floating on a Moment", Gibbons took the crowd away to new places. Her music is so atmospheric is has the ability to transport the listener. The emotional yet enigmatic quality of her work made the picturesque Albert Hall the perfect venue for Gibbons to captivate. Using a variety of instruments to create the desired sound, Gibbons was accompanied by touring musicians.

The new album was played in its entirety, along with a few tracks Gibbons recorded with Rustin Man. To close the set, the audience were treated to a performance of the Portishead classic "Roads". Gibbons has been a mighty musical success, from the infamy of Portishead to the undeniable quality of her solo project. It was a pleasure to be able to witness such a legend perform on a local stage.