Album review

Sia Furler has a pathological dread of the spotlight, refusing all interview requests (except really high profile ones with publications such as the New York Times) and declining to be photographed. The cover of her new record makes the point forcefully: it’s just a picture of Furler’s blonde hair, the space where her face should be prominently blacked out.

Her stance against the cult of celebrity is admirable but seems a bit beside the point given that she isn’t especially famous. The Australian has achieved some recognition, as singer with the now forgotten trip-hop band Zero 7, and as contributor to the soundtrack of the HBO TV show Six Feet Under. But the closest she’s been to fame is sitting next to Rihanna and Katy Perry, both of whom she has written songs for.