While writing her third album as Vera Blue, Australian alt-pop artist Celia Pavey realized just how much her creative alter ego reflects who she actually is. More than a convenient identity for crafting her music, she decided that Vera is just as much her as Celia is. That powerful revelation informs every step of Modern Rituals, a revealing album about selfhood and deep personal reflection. To that end, “In My Head” tackles the turbulence of someone messing with her emotions, while “In the Corner” is a direct reaction to feeling diminished and restricted by others. “Maze” depicts inner turmoil even more sharply, as Pavey punctuates the titular metaphor to ask, “How many wrongs until I get it right?” Made in close collaboration with producers including Lachlan Bostock and Ross James, the album’s empowering dance pop evokes Ray of Light-era Madonna as well as early La Roux anthems like “Bulletproof.” At the same time, the dazzling heights of Pavey’s vocals continue to recall Kate Bush, while reminding us exactly why she was handpicked to sing the Australian national anthem at the 2025 AFL Grand Final. Striking yet never showy, her dynamic vocal range heightens these tender, introspective turns.