Heartbreak is pop’s oldest inspiration but Vulnicura portrays it in remarkable new ways. The melodic expression is beamed directly from Bjork’s bruised soul, shaping strings and electronic beats to multiple emotions. Opener “Stonemilker” snaps and rumbles like an approaching storm as she descends into icy despair (“Black Lake”) and mournful nostalgia (“History of Touches”) before discovering some optimism on “Quicksand”. Crucially, the universal truths within the lyrics ensure this singular record never sounds alienating.