(Elektra)
On Bj??rk's previous album, Vespertine, the Icelandic pixie opted for minimalist arrangements that allowed her music to achieve a more intimate and personal level. In the follow up, Medulla, Bj??rk takes the next step in creating an even more primal recording by composing an album almost entirely of singing, vocal sampling and human sound effects. To achieve her lofty vision, Bj??rk enlisted the help of the Icelandic and London Choirs, beatboxer Rahzel, formerly of The Roots and Dokaka, the Japanese human sound machine.
Even adhering to a set of rules, Bj??rk was free to create an organic album-few of the tracks come off as unnatural or insincere However, she does wander from normal pop-structure and becomes somewhat self indulgent at times. On the track \Ancestors"" Bj??rk plays with sound collages of her own breathing and human noises to try to recreate the experience of a woman in labor, which almost sounds like a recording from a porn set.
Other than these occasional moments of weird discord, the album maintains a strong sense of harmony and melody. Beat heavy tracks ""Where is the line,"" ""Who is it"" and ""Oceania"" sound like a capella translations of songs from either Post or Homogenic. But more often than not, Bj??rk doesn't simply replace electronic beats with human beatboxing. She creates a chilling mood distinct from her previous work by combining complex vocal layering, vocal manipulation and different guest singers. On the album's closing track, ""The Triumph of the Heart,"" Bj??rk's vocals take a backseat to Rahzel's strong hip-hop beat and Dokaka's distinct sound effects, creating an easily accessible club-ready single.
The beat-driven tracks are initially the more enjoyable, but the songs that focus on Bj??rk's outstanding vocals are more pronounced statements that are oddly beautiful. The a capella ""Show Me Forgiveness"" showcases her range, but ends too quickly. Her vision is more realized when she sings in Icelandic, such as on the track ""Volcano"" where her only accompaniment is the Icelandic choir. The incomprehensible vocals are more expressive than any English lyrics on the album, proving that the actual sound of the human voice is more important than what is being said.
The vocal driven tracks are capable of the most expression, but they are also repetitious. ""Sonnets/ Unrealities XI,"" although not a bad track, seems very similar to other songs on the album and almost unnecessary. Given the musical constraints Bj??rk imposes on the album, it was almost inevitable that some of the songs sound similar. Despite occasional missteps, Medulla stands as a solid and unique album. Bj??rk continues to display her ability to focus and channel her talents into new sonic territories.
