Wackiness.org Reviews Archive § Music

Björk's new album floats atop a reputation of seven previous masterpieces, and number eight will not disappoint. As one of the definitive voices in Scandinavian ambiance, she has accomplished her own distinctive vision of air and ice once again. But her newest installment is more outer worldly--Building up an orchestral aurora of vocal soundscapes. Each song uses voices as the primary instrumentation and percussion. To do so she pulled out some really unique talent including: A throng of monks, Tagaq (an Inuit vocalist), the Icelandic Choir, Rahzel the beatboxer, Mike Patton (of Fantomas and Mr. Bungle), and Robert Wyatt.

The general atmosphere of Medúlla is a play between dark and light. It's haunting at times, but it always carries Björk's childlike innocence and an overall skillful treatments of high production music. Tracks like "Pleasure Is All Mine" and "Desired Constellation" are thick with layered and distorted sound and voice, and set the foggy haunted tone of the album. While "Oceania" is built like Disney's Fantasia. Medúlla is a mix of rich theatrics and a cappella, it reaches its peak (in true Icelandic form) at its conclusion with "Triumph of a Heart". Then the album leaves you feeling concured and rebuilt.

The ever evolving talent of this Icelandic angel is a must in every music collection, and this album is a must in every Björk collection.

Rating

90/100

Reviewer

Brandon

Published

September 19, 2004