Bjork - Homogenic

One Little Indian/Elektra

September 22nd, 1997.

Homogenic, the third studio album from obscure pop sensation Bjork, turns the 25th page of its incandescent existence. The likes of Radiohead and many more acts the world over had to revel in the forward thinking nature of Bjork's cutting edge experimental twists - incorporating elements into their own worlds in due time.

Bjorks's ingenious blend of electronic soundscapes and heartfelt string sections speaks to the psyche in unnervingly beautiful ways. Ice-cold and calculated percussion finds its serene counterpart in breathing, ebbing bouts of bowing bliss. Place Bjork's ever-unique sound and bold style over these described pieces and you have Homogenic, an album which revels in captivating fluidity and finds cavernous space within the relentless world of technological advance. You wont find an album with a more enticing relationship between classical and modern instrumentation - it's as fascinating as it is effective. Take notes, Homogenic is a masterclass at this specific intersection.

Bjork puts on a more than dignified performance - more than strong, indescribably potent. It comes through in a multitude of ways. One of said ways is through character. Character is crucial to artistic endeavours. It can be, if not is, the backbone to a piece, the thing that all other elements rely on to gel together. It's the thing that stitches up loose limbs. It puts a stride in step. Homogenic feels like it has a point to prove; it takes no prisoners, but keeps said prisoners safe from harm in the same breathe. The face on the other side of the glass can be a caring, confused and intimidating one, but you've got to put it in line from time to time.

The bone-chilling Icelandic winds slice through the listener as Bjork navigates the electronic sea. Strings act like sails as they take shape like trees in a soothing storm. Haunting in their elegance, powerful in their poise.

Coming to terms with the fact that the blizzard isn't going to end anytime soon is a cathartic one - don't fight it, feel it. Step inside the eye of the storm - realize that it can't harm you. You are the storm. It bends to your will.