Review Summary: An enchanting collection of songs based on nature, relationships and the parallels one can draw between the two.
Curiosity and experimentation have always played a significant part in the career of Björk. Whether it involves an album constructed almost entirely around human vocals (
Medulla) or infusing world music into her sound with the help of Timberland (
Volta), Björk is always innovating and trying something new.
Biophilia is no exception to this. Inspired by the creative possibilities of iPad apps, she set out to create an album that could not only be heard but experienced and interacted with. The app allows users to create visuals for the songs and construct semi-remixes, adding another level of depth to the album.
So it’s impressive that despite such an emphasis on what some may consider to be a gimmick, the songs from
Biophilia are still as captivating and unique as the rest of Björk’s discography. The main lyrical themes of the album are nature and relationships, and the music matches them perfectly. Take the almost dubstep-influenced
Mutual Core, where just as Björk is singing about tectonic plates meeting and forming a mutual core, the synths in the background explode to give the effect of an eruption. The scope and variety of the songs found on
Biophilia make for what might just be her most eclectic album yet. On the one hand you have the more immediate songs that generally start off light but explode towards the end, such as the aforementioned
Mutual Core and
Crystalline, which begins with the light sound of a glockenspiel behind Björk’s vocals but bursts into drum and bass as the piece closes. On the other hand you have minimalist tracks such as album opener
Moon. Throughout, Björk’s stunning voice is on display, accompanied by only a harp and a soft acoustic guitar. Just like the moon itself, these instrumentals work in cycles but what’s so remarkable is that it never becomes repetitive or uninteresting. Not only is this a testament to the unique songwriting of Björk, but also her near-flawless production work.
The one thing that all of these songs have in common however, is that they give Björk space to breathe. Despite some tracks being dense and complex, they are never overwhelming and she is always on top, keeping everything in control. The longing for exploration and discovery found on previous albums is very much present, and it’s as inspirational as ever.
Thunderbolt is an awe-inspiring song about exactly that. Backed by a bassline provided by a tesla coil and an intimate choir, lyrics such as
“lightning hits my spine, sparkling, prime runs through me” feel completely genuine, and come from a woman who is clearly invigorated and energized.
One of the most mysterious cuts from the album is
Dark Matter, which is fitting as it shares its name with the enigmatic matter that, despite making up the vast majority of the known universe, we know little to nothing about. The song is cryptic and brooding to say the least, instrumentally and lyrically. The instrumental side of it is provided by what sounds like an organ, dipping and ascending but seemingly going nowhere. Poetic lines such as
“drawn in the darkness, unpolished pearl in sky black” and
“palm of hands, flickering sun flame” will leave you scratching your head and trying to interpret the true meaning of the song. Not only does it make you think, but it serves nicely as an interlude and a separator between the two halves of the album. Before you know it, it’s over and you’re thrust into one of the most bizarre pieces from the album,
Hollow. Fast violins make it feel like incidental music for a silent Disney animation before Björk’s vocals are introduced, backed by a choir. Synths are featured towards the end but they play a small part and take the sideline to the orchestral elements that dominate the song.
If you didn't like Björk in the past,
Biophilia isn’t going to change your mind. Her vocals are as strong and dynamic as ever, as is the songwriting. The variety could make the album feel jumbled or unfocused to some people but the strength of the songwriting and lyrics keep it from becoming a chore to listen to, making for an experience that keeps your attention for the full duration.
Biophilia will likely go down in history as an experiment that worked, thanks to one of the most charismatic women in music today.
She’s always had it in her.
