If music were directly influenced by the image an artist portrays then Björk's output would be unwieldy, arty and impenetrable and would be played in the background whilst critics pondered the value of modern art. Thankfully Björk's 'proper' albums have maintained a high watermark both in terms of sonic invention and listenability. Previous album 'Homogenic' was her most confontational and challenging work yet but 'Vespertine' reverts to the warmth of 'Debut'. Our heroine trills over a backdrop of bubbling electronica; her every inhalation and exhalation appears to have been recorded offering a feeling of intimacy for these unusual love songs. Almost inevitably there are choral and orchestral moments and at the finales of both 'It's Not Up To You' and 'Undo' heart-stopping perfection is reached. Admittedly Björk struggles to consolidate the quality on later tracks where tunes give way to emotion but 'Heirloom' and 'Unison' recover the classy understatement of the first half of 'Vespertine'. All things considered this is another great album from a true pioneering spirit.