VESPERTINE

Verspertine is definitely one of Björk's more private and intimate releases. The album is generally concerned with seclusion and as some other reviewers stated, there are plenty of crafty arrangements that play a part in creating dark, mysterious moods, including sampled objects to create beats and soundscapes from shuffling cards on the haunting "Hidden Place" and the dreamy "Cocoon". There is even a snow crumpling effect on "Aurora" and cracking ice on "Frosti" to help create a chilling wintery feel. A couple of highlights are "It's Not Up To You" and the beautiful, lush "Pagan Poetry". Admitedly, she loses her way a little on "An Echo A Stain" and "Sun In My Mouth" but gets back on track with "Heirloom" and "Unison" on the second half of the album. In all, this along with "Homogenic", contains some of my most favourite pieces by this artist. Three and a half stars.