Björk Brings ‘Vulnicura’ to Life at Carnegie Hall

The only thing better to start your Saturday with than brunch? Björk: less hollandaise, more transcendence. Between her gutwrenching new album, Vulnicura, and MoMA retrospective, the Nordic goddess is really having a moment right now. Saturday, March 14, she graced Carnegie Hall at noon for the second in a series of eight New York outings, bringing Vulnicura to life with the aid of a 15-piece string orchestra.

Carnegie Hall’s acoustics were perfectly suited for the album’s lush, enveloping sound, and Björk kept things single, letting the music fill the room. The first act of the two hour show was entirely made up of songs from the new album, and from the moment the violins began album opener “Stonemilker,” the entire crowd was spellbound. Björk took the stage in a white and purple dress and luminescent crown reminiscent of a dandelion head, as seen on the Vulnicura album cover. Her voice was absolute perfection, vibrating throughout the hall.

During the set of Vulnicura tracks, enthralling projections played, complete with lyrics. At times they were distracting, but at others, welcome—let’s be honest, Björk’s lyrics aren’t always easy to parse. Seeing the lyrics of Vulnicura tracks like “Lionsong” and “Black Lake” on screen really hammered in how raw and aching these songs are. Does “Black Lake” make anyone else want to take an axe to Matthew Barney’s face?

The second act featured old favorites, and the singer did an excellent job choosing tracks that were well suited to a string orchestra. Without her headpiece, Björk tossed her hair and swung her hips through favorites like “The Pleasure is All Mine,” “Quicksand,” and “Come to Me.” Her encore, “Wanderlust,” was especially brilliant. It was hard not to shout “Yassss, queen!” when Vulnicura producer Arca entered for the second act in a short black cutout dress.

After the show, those who were indulgent enough to take high tea next door at the Russian Tea Room were treated to a more intimate sighting as Björk sat down for brunch with Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnson’s, Arca, and a posee of friends who just completely looked like they should be hanging out with Björk. It’s not an easy look to describe, but you know it when you see it.