We know her as the frontwoman of Catatonia - a singer who not only nailed Wales to the musical map, but also revived the fortunes of one of its greatest sons.

But the days when Cerys Matthews paid tribute to veteran crooner Tom Jones are long gone. And the same goes for Roadrage, Mulder and Scully and the band's other huge hits.

Cerys has moved on. And while she is once again enjoying the rugged charms of her homeland, musically she takes her cue from an altogether sunnier place - the American South.

Her acclaimed second solo album Never Say Goodbye, follows 2003's Cockahoop, which saw her dipping her toes in the Nashville country scene - a world away from the gritty streets of Cardiff, where, as a busker, she kicked off her career.

And like its predecessor, the new album sees the singer, described by the late Melody Maker magazine as "the sexiest woman in rock," revelling in the new-found freedom of America.

It is this new Cerys who will saunter on stage at Oxford's Zodiac on Thursday. And while Catatonia fans are welcome, she is keen for us all to get with the new programme'.

"I am not dead set on doing any of the old stuff," she explains, while relaxing at home in Pembrokeshire, on the wild west Welsh coast. "I might play a few songs, but not any big tunes. They don't fit in and are not relevant.

"I was really heartwarmed at the way Cockahoop was greeted, and the new album has been amazingly well received as well." The album not only finds Cerys in a happy place, musically. Settled with her husband and children, she also seems to have found her place in life.

"I am living back in glorious west Wales," she says. "I love it and will be staying here for as long as I can.

"Tennessee was brilliant. But I've got old friends here - and I couldn't bear to see my children dressing up in prom dresses and speaking like proper Tennesseans!"

So is she happy? "Yeah on the whole. I'm happy with this album. But it's been hard work and there's a lot of blood from a lot of people on it."

She is referring to the blood-letting which resulted from her working her way through a succession of producers, musicians and studios.

She finally settled on an 'A-team' consisting of guitarist Kevin Teel, bass man Byron House, drummer Mason Neely and co-producers Stuart Sikes (White Stripes, The Walkmen) and Ben Elkins (Heypenny).

"It's been a weird journey," she says. "Albums take on a life of their own. This one started off dynamically, but then started turning round and biting me.

"I need to do more experimenting and try different things. But I'm as confused as I've ever been in my life.

"Sometimes life makes a curve ball' and you find yourself back at square one.

"I am really looking forward to doing this tour - the first big one in years. The only problem is, I don't know what to pack!"

And will she be taking the opportunity to party, like the Cerys of old? "I've changed - I have children now."

Tickets for the show are £10 in advance. The gig is open to ages 14 and over. Doors open at 7.30pm.