Volta

I wrote this article for FFWD Weekly, but it turns out they couldn't use it. It was going to be a double review in next week's issue, but they ended up having to cut one of them to save space. Here it is:

BJÖRK
Volta
One Little Indian

Self-proclaimed “Techno voodoo” without compromises or mainstream ambition

Since Björk Guðmundsdóttir’s 1992 Debut solo album, her music and public image have been daring and flamboyant - with each successive album being a vast departure from the previous. 2004’s Medúlla, was almost entirely vocal-based, taking critics and fans by surprise. In 2005 she collaborated with her husband, surreal multimedia artist Matthew Barney, by scoring his film, Drawing Restraint 9. Volta follows suit with a complete overhaul of Björk’s sound and projected image.

Although short, Volta tackles tough themes by pop music standards (i.e. motherhood, poverty, rootlessness, humanity). Nonetheless, the album sounds modern without ever relying on contemporary clichés. “Wanderlust” is, according to Björk, the album’s manifesto. Brave lyrics like “Lust for comfort/Suffocates the soul/Relentless restlessness/Liberates me” are coupled with a heroic horn section. Unfortunately, these interesting musical elements get muddled in the final mix-down with heavy bass and percussion capitalizing on the listener’s attention.

Unless listeners are well versed in the historical context of Iceland’s and Greenland’s independence from Denmark, “Declare Independence” sounds like angry slogans layered on angry digital hardcore techno. It is difficult to tell if this is a deliberate attempt to draw in new listeners who may not have the patience for Volta’s gentle pieces.

“The Dull Flame of Desire” is a tremulous duet with Antony Hegarty (of Antony and The Johnsons). Together the saccharine vocals can be difficult to stomach, since they both compete for the spotlight. The primal drumbeat crescendo backing this song is by Brian Chippendale who does not play with the abandon that one would expect as the leader of the noisy maelstrom known as Lightning Bolt.

Despite a staunch refusal to allow corporate sponsorship during her tours, there is a great deal of hype surrounding this album. Excitement is tangible in the mobs of people eager to hear her latest material on tour this summer. Is it warranted though? Volta will not save the dance floor, will not change the world, and will not elevate Björk’s status into the stratosphere. Volta will stimulate lots of controversy among fans. Björk will continue to engage audiences intelligently whether they welcome it or not.


(Björk performing at Coachella a few weeks ago)

Hype 5/5
Artistic Integrity 4/5
Pop appeal 3/5