VULNICURA

Musically Vulnicura sounds like a sort of missing link between Homogenic and Vespertine. Instrumentally it links closer to the former, featuring mainly orchestral stings arranged by Bjork as well as electronics, with certain sections boasting abrasive and almost industrial sounding percussion. Composition-wise though, these songs tend to veer towards Vespertine with its intimate approach and deeply personal atmosphere.

What sets this album in its own league is its theme, which plays out somewhat like the foreshadowing of a relationship break-up, the fruition of this fear and its aftermath. I wouldn't say that Vulnicura is a complete drear- fest, but when certain songs hit, they hit hard on an emotional level, particularly in regards to the 10 minute "Black Lake", powerful number that pulls no punches in describing heartache and anguish both musically and lyrically.

The first half of this release contains many of the best tunes I've heard from her in over a decade. Despite the trauma and uncertainty in the storyline she conveys, these songs are quite memorable with lush instrumentation and magical vocal melodies. "Lionsong", in particular contains infectious melodies while retaining an unusual aura that is far removed from anything resembling typical pop music. It's really not a pop album at all, with numerous extended song lengths and strong digressions from 'safe' musical formats. Yet despite the experimental approach, it's still as enjoyable as it is adventurous. The latter half is where things get even more interesting musically, with forays into avant-garde territory and more bizarre electronic percussion melding into the overall sound. "Mouth Mantra" is one such number that offers some real surprises such as that vicious booming low bass that kicks in for a spell during its latter half that's practically 'metallic' in nature.

The first time I heard this album it was practically a heart-wrenching experience in a way, as Bjork carries her well written lyrics with an emotional punch I haven't heard from her in quite some time. So well does she convey the theme, that I only started noticing certain music tracks on subsequent listens, so involved in this work as a whole as I was initially. While it doesn't reach the stratospheric booming heights of Homogenic or the celestial euphoria of Vespertine, it does have its own identity as a strong personal statement and I would rank it pretty close to her best work.