Sydney Festival Digital Archive

Björk (2008)

“I’m going hunting for mysteries,” sang Björk in 'Cover Me'. “I’m going to prove the impossible really exists.” And on a perfect summer night beneath a full moon and the Opera House sails, the Icelandic superstar did exactly that.

Opening the set with the primal surge of 'Earth Intruders', Björk gave full rein to her imagination: a 10-piece Icelandic brass ensemble in heraldic dress, green lasers sliced the night sky, cutting-edge arrangements conjured otherworldly textures. Anchored by the 4/4, the ethereal still remained danceable.

After soaring in 'Army of Me' and 'Hyperballad', the performance built to a euphoric climax of 'Declare Independence', with fireworks erupting overhead. Euphoric, eccentric – everything a Björk fan could desire.