by Björk
Released September 30, 2022 via One Little Independent Records
Reviewed October 11, 2022
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Fossora (61%), topos (35%), Freefall (35%)
Having spent nearly three decades as the indisputable queen of art pop/avant-pop, a new Björk record is always an event. Five years removed from Utopia, her first release of the 2020s emerges from the ground as yet another boundary-pushing effort. Inspired by a combination of her mother’s passing in 2018, ecological meditation, and her own self-reflection, Fossora is rooted in Björk’s attempts to ground herself. Like much of her work, Fossora builds its foundation off the traditions of Icelandic music with its use of strings. But where it makes its key distinction from an album Homogenic—her most deliberate tribute to Iceland—is the adoption of the bass clarinet as an integral instrument and the influx of gabber beats. This creates somewhat of a clash, with fast-paced, somewhat abrasive synth and percussive work juxtaposing the atmospheric, choral-like vocals and beautiful string arrangements. It presents a similar dynamic to many of Björk’s previous works, but repackaged and repurposed in a way we’ve yet to see. Amidst the chaos of it all, she of course shines as a songwriter and a vocalist. At times haunting, at others comforting, her voice explores themes of grief, motherhood—and ultimately—the struggle of survival. Fossora is neither a rebirth nor a reinvention of the Icelandic singer/producer, but rather a reinvigorated version of herself doing what she does best. – Dominick (8.3/10)
Björk's extensive discography adds another eclectic addition to the family in Fossora, a record that has a thing of theatrics about it; it feels like sitting in a balcony seat in the West End as the actors take to stage. Each chapter/track takes place with a windswept cadence. The uniqueness of Björk is worth a thousand decent artists, if not much more. Equate it to a thousand light bulbs against the sun—there is no comparison. Fossora, along with the majority of Björk's work, has a care-free spirit residing inside. It sounds like a child, albeit a very talented child, pissing about with the possibility of pieces fitting together. Spitball and what sticks, sticks. It's a wonderful process of fluctuating chaos and potential. Unhinged: the doors are definitely open. Fossora is home to a lovely use of wind and brass instruments throughout. It adds a light air to the smorgasbord of instrumentation and ideas. Björk is a gift to the world, cherish her presence. Björk is untouchable in her lane. – Peter (8/10)
Cam: 8.3/10 | Dominick: 8.3/10 | Jared: 8/10 | Pax: 8/10 | Peter: 8/10 | Hadley: 7.5/10
