Roisin Murphy

The long-awaited return of pop's finest alternative diva.

Róisín Murphy’s first album in 8 years, ‘Hairless Toys’ is a career defining tour de force. Sonically adventurous with peerless production from long time collaborator Eddie Stevens, its a more eclectic beast than 2007's 'overpowered', moving effortlessly from the house throb of 'gone fishing' and the jazz-funk flavours of 'exploitation', to the Hawaiian feel of 'exile' and the mournful electro-waltz of the title track, while Murphy's typically thoughtful lyrics are delivered in by a voice that shifts from huskily soulful to soprano vulnerability.  Despite the hiatus, Murphy occupies a unique space between the fashionista art-pop of Grace Jones and St Vincent and the pure glitterball dance of Madonna and Gaga. "reconfirms her knack for making grown-up dance albums unlike anyone else" 4/5 - Q. "thrilling... a career highlight" 4/5 - mojo. intimate and provocative" 8/10 - uncut.