Bjorks latest offering 'Volta' invites new and old fans to follow her unstoppable career to new heights. The album is essentially a catalogue of sounds forged into ten tracks, taking the listener on a journey through the weird and wonderful. Emerging through the other side is not for the faint hearted, as the music requires the punter to be attentive and almost submissive to what's going on. Very rewarding listening to those who embrace it, on the other hand sceptics of her trademark vocal technique need take no notice. This album is a consistent progression away from what is considered accessible, leaving critique at the doorstep and further raising the heights of originality.

Opening track 'Earth Intruders' reaffirms Bjorks cult status with dirgy sounds and macabre backing vocals. The backbeat suggests a driving force whilst the vocals take an abstract look at the pagan nature of human endurance. The track ends establishing a raw and dirty feel for the album before quickly… more »

Bjorks latest offering 'Volta' invites new and old fans to follow her unstoppable career to new heights. The album is essentially a catalogue of sounds forged into ten tracks, taking the listener on a journey through the weird and wonderful. Emerging through the other side is not for the faint hearted, as the music requires the punter to be attentive and almost submissive to what's going on. Very rewarding listening to those who embrace it, on the other hand sceptics of her trademark vocal technique need take no notice. This album is a consistent progression away from what is considered accessible, leaving critique at the doorstep and further raising the heights of originality.

Opening track 'Earth Intruders' reaffirms Bjorks cult status with dirgy sounds and macabre backing vocals. The backbeat suggests a driving force whilst the vocals take an abstract look at the pagan nature of human endurance. The track ends establishing a raw and dirty feel for the album before quickly moving onto lyrics exposing discomfort with religion and lust for social satisfaction.

'The Dull Flame of Desire' is a duet borrowing the equally unique voice of Anthony Hegarty from the up and coming jazz ballad act 'Anthony and the Johnsons.' An ominous orchestra introduces lush interlaced vocals which raises tension to the point where the tribal sound of drums dominates. This particular track is a showcase for Bjorks ability to use rich harmony, creating moments of magic which surface throughout the record.

Clever instrumentation throughout, Volta boasts an array of electronic noises and merges them with traditional styles collected from around the world. The track 'I See Who You Are' is a welcome return to intimacy, with imagery bringing the lyrics to life. A pipa (Chinese lute) skilfully played provides the exotic escapism needed to warm the senses. This imagery quickly clouds over as the album turns dark, yet still encapsulating the listener with the sound of the unknown.

A philosophical Bjork embarks on an understanding of free will and evil, with a painstakingly honest approach to discussing suicide bombings in a musical context. Latter track 'Declare Independance' braves political ground as the singer takes a stance against colonial powers, with distorted kickdrums punching her point across. The album closes with 'My Juvenile,' a maternal offering of love to her son. This track sees the return of Anthony Hegarty and ensures the album ends on a sombre yet peaceful tone, albeit sweetly melancholic.

Volta contrasts heavily to the soft and luscious feel of its predecessors 'Medulla' (2004) and 'Vespertine,' (2001) opting to pursue more impressionable sounds and heavier rhythms. The constant dynamics in the mood of the album makes for an intense rollercoaster journey. Sometimes boisterous, tense and unsettling, each word chosen carefully and highlighted appropriately, the tone unwinds, drifting into moments of tranquillity and peace, leaving the listener at its mercy.