Björk's eleventh studio album, Fossora, is a deeply rooted exploration of the natural world, delving into the earthy and elemental. Released on 30 September 2022 via One Little Independent Records, this 54-minute masterpiece weaves a complex tapestry of sound, blending art pop and trip hop genres. The album's title, derived from the Latin word for "digging", reflects Björk's immersion in the terrestrial and the organic, earning it the nickname "my album about mushrooms".
Fossora is the culmination of a creative process that began in mid-2019, with Björk working tirelessly alongside long-time collaborator Bergur Þórisson, particularly during the 2020 lockdown. The result is a rich and intricate soundscape, featuring a string quintet recorded in Víðistaðakirkja, Hafnarfjörður, and guest appearances by Serpentwithfeet and Emilie Nicolas.
The album's thirteen tracks, including 'Atopos', 'Ovule', and 'Ancestress', showcase Björk's innovative production and arrangement skills, with Eivind Helgerød contributing to the album's sonic landscape. From the haunting 'Sorrowful Soil' to the enchanting 'Fagurt Er í Fjörðum', each song is a testament to Björk's boundless creativity and her ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
With Fossora, Björk invites listeners to embark on a sonic journey that is at once intimate and expansive, exploring themes of nature, architecture, and the interconnectedness of all things. This album is a testament to Björk's status as a visionary artist, pushing the boundaries of music and sound to create something truly unique and unforgettable.