The unmistakable Róisín Murphy returns with her new album Hairless Toys. It's been a while (2007 to be precise) since Murphy released her last LP - Overpowered. Hairless Toys embraces a broad palette of genres; tipping its hat to the dark disco of European house music, Casablanca Records and Grace Jones, while taking in the freedom and organic spirit of jazz, country and gospel.

It's an album that sounds timeless It could have been released 20 years ago... and would still feel fresh 20 years from now. The tracks smash into one another with little ripples flowing through the album. It's an interesting collection of genres that, by rights, you wouldn't think would work together... but somehow they do, and particularly well too.

While I did enjoy this album's 8 tracks (50 min, 30 sec), and I do think it's timeless, I don't think it's one I'd dust off all that often. You really have to be in the right mood for it.

However, if I had to chose a highlight it would have to be the album's closing track 'Unputdownable'. Not only is the one true catchy song on the LP, but it also showcases Murphy's vocal range better than any other track.

Murphy's vocals, as always, are perfect. It's an entertaining album, but not one that you'll listen to over and over again.

7

Nick Smithson