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Liberator 6.3
Bjork
Volta
(One Little Indian/Elektra)

There's always so much excitement with any new Bjork record--the Icelandic artist reinvents herself with each new one. After the serious of Vesperine, many were hoping for a happier, beat driven record. Volta reclaims Bjork's attempt at having fun again with the process of making music. This new record finds Bjork working with others including her much-lauded collabo's with Timabland, Konono No.1, Malian orka player Truman Diabate, and Anthony Hegarty (Anthony & The Johnson's) expanding her rhythm palette. The schizophrenic opener "Earth Intruders" sounds like Bjork's more adventurous tracks built around Timberland's jittery drum programming and Konono No. 1's electric thumb pianos. "Wanderlust" is a horn-filled opus with rich melodies. "I See Who You Are" is anchored by Asian strings arrangements, while the vibrant bounce of "Innocence" charges along with bravado. The epic hopefulness of the mournful "Dull Flame Of Desire" conjures Nina Simone and is a testament to Anthony Hegarty's solemn elegance. 'Pneumonia" and "Vertebrae By Vertebrae" both showcase the complexity of avant pop experiments within the boundaries of pop songs. She does get serious on "Hope", another Timbaland beat where she ponders, considers the thoughts of a suicide bombers asking "What's the lesson?... If she kills them" over strings, tribal drumming and guitars. The most militant, may be the defiant anthemic industrial bleep of "Declare Independence" where Bjork demands, "Don't let them do that to do." The gorgeous "My Juvenile" also features Hegarty "This is a offer/the intentions were pure". There's also alternate versions of 'Earth Intruders", "I See Who You Are" and "Innocence". Bjork continues to define this generation as one of its most experimental, innovative artists--constantly challenging herself and her listeners alike. We are the better off for it.
(Jon Jon Scott)