Yes, believe the hype. Iceland's most famous export has thawed.
After becoming increasingly insular and avant garde on her previous two studio albums Vespertine and Medulla and the soundtrack to experimental film Drawing Restraint by partner Matthew Barney this is Bjork's most upbeat, rhythmic and accessible outing since Homogenic 10 years ago.
She's even roped in hip-hop producer of the moment Timbaland. Make no mistake, Volta isn't a simple throwback to the classic dance pop of Debut or the beautiful Post. She hasn't entirely abandoned the eclectic touches of the past few years but it will draw back some of the audience that abandoned Bjork.
The off-kilter but punchy beat-driven opener Earth Intruders which includes the great Congolese combo Konono No 1 ends with a symphony of ship's horns, echoing Drawing Restraint. Wanderlust includes a 10-piece, all-female Icelandic brass section. But on every track Bjork's sudden turns or experimental surprises are engaging rather than the self indulgent meanderings of a wood pixie.
The androgynous voice of British-born singer Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons works in perfect counterpoint to Bjork's on ballad The Dull Flame of Desire and My Juvenile. On Innocence, lo-fi drum machines echo the best of Debut. The delicate I See Who You Are sparkles with the inclusion of the Chinese pipa instrument and the simple horn-based arrangement on Pneumonia makes it one of the best and most heart-felt ballads Bjork's ever sung.
By the time she snarls on abrasive and punk-influenced Declare Independence, I'm completely won over. Even with a tendency for dressing like she's in the World of Wearable Art Awards, she continues to be one of music's true originals.
Watch the video for Earth Intruders .
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