New Bjork Album: "Drawing Restraint 9"

[Kittens-In-A-Hoodie]

Never one to rest on her laurels, July 25th sees the release of another Bjork album - "Drawing Restraint 9"


It's a soundtrack to the forthcoming Matthew Barney film of the same name, but unlike the Selma Songs project this seems to be a more fully-fleshed, 11 track album.

{01} gratitude
{02} pearl
{03} ambergris march
{04} bath
{05} hunter vessel
{06} shimenawa
{07} vessel shimenawa
{08} storm
{09} holographic entrypoint
{10} cetacea
{11} antarctic return




She's collaborated with many of the musicians from Medulla, (Tagaq, Leila, Zeena Parkins, Mark Bell) as well as writing one track with the fabulous Akira Rabalais.

Since it is a soundtrack, rather than a stand-alone album, it's difficult to be certain if this marks the course that she's charted for her musical future, but "Drawing Restraint 9" sees Bjork move further into the realms of experimental acoustic electronica, and resolutely away from her more pop past.



There's a wealth of information, track by track details, and audio clips at the follwoing mini site:

unit.bjork.com/specials/dr9/

[klee]

Another one already? Surely you're spoiling us Ms Gudmunsdottir.

It looks fascinating but, as you said Mr Kittens, it's definitely a move further into Late Junction territory. Really speaking that's where she's been heading since Post, making the kind of music that rewards 'active' listening.

Sure, it might be a little frustrating for people who want more of the poppy Bjork, but somehow it's reassuring to see someone who knows she's got nothing left to prove in that arena and feels confident enough to make the music she wants to make, rather than continue to go chasing the hits.

[xolondon]

Does this really count as a new Bjork album? I think there are barely any vocals by her on the record. Seems more like a side project as opposed to her next official record.

I am hoping she chills out a bit on the concept album stuff and just gives us some slamming dance songs next time out. She always said she viewed her role as a pop artist bringing interesting ideas to pop music. She has come pretty close to veering into the actual avant garde recently.

[cph]

i don't think it should count as a new Bjork album since she sings in 4 tracks (well, "shouting meaningless words" is more appropriate than "singing"). i'm really disappointed because i've always been a fan and in this album there's only 1good track: Storm (aka Nameless, performed during the greatest hits tour). i like experimental music but this album is just nerveracking noise and if Bjork wasn't in it, it would sell 0.

[xolondon]

I am under the impression that this record has NOT ONE traditional vocal by Bjork. It's a soundtrack done by her, but not really her new album. I want some pop from that elf. now.