There's little doubt that Bjork's Vulnicura album will feature in many best-of-2015 lists.
On this companion piece, she strips out the electronic components which bolstered that album and amplifies and embellishes the strings to put another dramatic spin on those heartbreaking songs, inspired by the break-up of a long-term relationship.
If anything, the moods are darker, menacing and more desolate than the original album, with tracks such as Lionsong, a sparse, spine-tingling reading of Stonemilker and especially a tough, tense Notget setting and stirring the discordant mood.
It’s worth noting too that Bjork’s voice adds strong shades and shadows, as if going back to re-record and restructure the songs has provoked new emotions.
Vulnicura Strings may not displace the original in listeners' affections, but it does present another fascinating dimension.
