Björk’s Biophilia @ Manchester International Festival

Returning with a new futuristic concept album, Biophilia', Björk's highly anticipated series of gigs premiered at the world famous art event, Manchester International Festival.

As Björk herself says about the album, “the project is a continuation of Volta, whereas Volta is more about anthropology, this is kind of without the humans and, both zooming out, like the planets, but also zooming into the atoms, and in that way, aesthetically, sympathizing with sound…”

A devoted sound enthusiast, she has strongly kept to what she is known for best - exploring original sounds and themes like only she can, and of course, using the latest technology in order to do it. Partly recorded on an iPad and only available as a download app, Biophilia is a multimedia project like none before.

As she took to the 360 degree stage in the centre of Campfield Hall, her somewhat minimal backing band (a live drummer/percussionist and electronics/synth player) were by no means limited by their lack of numbers.

By enlisting the help of visual artist and long-time collaborator Michel Gondry and creating bespoke instruments - including a digitally-controlled pipe organ and gamelan/celeste hybrid - Björk's position as one of the leading 21st century modern composers has been cemented. Tonight places her into the league of other avant-garde greats such as Harry Partch and her own key inspiration, Arvo Part.

Dressed in an over-sized bright orange wig and gold dress, Björk was accompanied vocally throughout the performance by a 22 strong female Icelandic choir, who brought a euphoric level of depth, sensitivity and a touch of the supernatural to proceedings creating a perfect ambient atmosphere for new songs like 'Cosmogony' and her latest single, 'Crystalline.'

Much to the delight of her fans, she also shared a lot of her classic material during the almost 2 hour long set including a heartbreaking, stripped down version of 'All Is Full Of Love' and a crowd-stomping version of 'Declare Independence'.

The week long gigs at Manchester International Festival are all sold out but the show will be going on the road later on in the year. If you want to be truly inspired by an artist at her immense musical peak, then do not miss out.