Ođđa áigodat

Solju is the name of a new project from the Finnish Sámi joiker Ulla Pirttijärvi and her daughter, Hilda Länsman. From a starting point of northern Sami language and joik (the Sami's unique vocal tradition), they form a dialogue between traditional and modern Sami culture. Pirttijärvi has long been one of the most distinctive and celebrated voices in joik. On Ođđa áigodat (New Times), she shows off all of her familiar qualities, while Länsman emerges as one of Sami music's brightest new talents.

Featuring strings from the Czech Symphony Orchestra, the epic opening title-track might be too cinematic for some, but it's also infectious, with the different sensibilities of Pirttijärvi and Lansman's voices blending beautifully. The contrast of the following track, ‘áimejoga Jovnna’ – based around a traditional joik, bird song and the sound of a stream – sums up the diversity of the album overall. Besides joik, it has a sound that evokes Europop, New Age music, and a certain ‘pan-indigenousness.’ Despite referencing new times in the title, this is a record that offers a fascinating glimpse into various processes that have taken place within Sami culture over the last century, though an eye is cast to the future.