Bjork Journeys the Cosmos in ‘Biophilia’

Alexander Volz

Gimmicks are what some artists use to create that unique appeal. Bjork is not that artist. Since the 90s, she has consistently set the bar for rare experimental music while achieving a level of success that is reserved for pop stars. Her film Bjork: Biophilia Live is a concert of her album Biophilia filmed at Alexandra Palace in London. Directors, Nick Fenton and Peter Strickland’s influence and editing expertise results in a calm and embracing performance rather than some of Bjork’s prior more frenetic work. Like most things, Bjork does want Biophilia as just an album as it was also released as a music app, in attempts of being a multi-media interactive experience or the fans. Bjork considered the music app to be a necessary form of music education that allowed fans to learn how to play parts of the album and engage in the orchestration of her creative vision.

The Biophilia tour featured unique instruments such as a gravity harp which is a gravity-driven pendulum, a pipe organ, a Tesla coil, a gameleste which is described as a celestial keyboard, and the Hang, a unique percussion instrument which looks similar to steel drums. Bjork also was accompanied by a 14-woman choir adding to the grand feel of the music, as there is sparse musical instrumentation. The music relies on the force that is Bjork in her voice and body movement, both of which she is capable of choreographing for a maximal vision.

Bjork is always one for theatrics so the live benefits from her grand vision of concerts are perfectly suited for the big screen. The songs feature some animation and science and nature films, which are driven by the album’s theme recognizing the relationship between everything music and how it resonates with nature. The film is a treat for Bjork fans as well as music aficionados and anybody looking for a visual spectacle.

Bjork: Biophilia Live has had select screenings since September and will be available for home purchase in November.