Reviews

Roisin Murphy - 8/10

'Hairless Toys' (Play It Again Sam)

Back in 2007 the dance world was in love with Róisín Murphy. She combined the quirkiness of Björk, the sultriness of ABBA's Agnetha and diva-ness of Kylie. Then she disappeared to do important stuff, like have children. Forged with musical director Eddie Stevens: 'Hairless Toys' is outstanding, all elegant deep house offset by country-flecked soul and idiosyncratic downtempo. Part Grace Jones, part Goldfrapp, part, er, Róisín Murphy, it's a career high. Opener 'Gone Fishing' – inspired by early house's role in providing a haven for minorities – builds from twinkly, sweet-natured shimmy to an intense finale. 'Evil Eyes' is worth the price of admission alone; summoning the spirit of Ms Jones by way of Close Encounters of The Third Kind and Don Carlos' Italo-house classic 'Alone', it's a tour de force. 'House Of Glass' is all about a warm organ drone, sultry vocals and a twitching, complex groove, while 'Unputdownable' switches from eerie electro hymn to soaring gospel-pop. How we've managed without Miss Murphy for so long is, frankly, a mystery.

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