Ninth studio album from Bjork! 2015's Vulnicura was something of a return-to-form for the singer, with her recent split from experimental filmmaker Matthew Barney fueling the emotional fire that pervaded the album, and Arca's inimitable production mirrored the cutting edge beats that made Homogenic and Post such standouts. If Vulnicura was her break-up album, then Utopia is her self-described 'Tinder record' and will find her musing on fresh experiences, new people, love and freedom. If lead single "The Gate" is anything to go off, Utopia will be lush, bright and full of life, in stark contrast to Vulnicura's wounded, heartbroken darkness. In addition to her liberated new outlook, her newfound single status has found her increasingly prolific, with Utopia landing just 2 years after 2015's Vulnicura (previously, fans have had to wait 3-4 years between albums). Production is once again handled by Arca with contributions from Rabit, Texas' premiere purveyor of apocalyptic grime.

• gatefold jacket
• printed inner sleeve
• music label: One Little Indian 2017

reviewed by peanut dust 12/2017