In the area where Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia collide lies the Sami territory of Sápmi. The Sami tribes are nomadic people who herd reindeer back and forth between their summer and winter grazing spots. Over the years, the spread of Christianity and exploration from various parts of Europe have led their history to take turns that draw parallels with that of the Native Americans. Despite this, somewhere between 50,000 and 80,000 Sami still live a fairly traditional existence in Lapland.

A major part of their tradition is yoik, a style of singing designed to capture the essence of a person or place, with an emphasis on sound rather than lyrical content (yoiks often contain no actually lyrics at all).

So, after that long introduction, we finally get to Adjágas, a duo comprising Sara Mariella Gaup (who comes from Kautokeino on the Norway/Finland border) and Lawra Somby (who grew up in Oslo), both from Sami families and lovers of their traditional music.

This is where the history lesson end, though. They are indeed heavily influenced by yoik, but Adjágas make thoroughly contemporary music, containing whispers of bands you may recognise, most obviously Sigur Rós, while some songs, like Dolgemáŧki, have an almost punkish feel to their delivery.

Don’t let me give you the impression that this is like anything you’ve ever heard before, though. The unintelligible, often percussive lyrics combined with the soft instrumentation give Adjágas and otherworldly feel, aided in no small part by the excellent production skills of Andreas Mjøs (Jaga Jazzist, Susanne & The Magical Orchestra). At times the intimacy of Gaup and Somby’s singing almost makes you feel like you shouldn’t be listening - particularly on songs like Rievdadeapmi where the drums are faded off into the distance, far away from the twin vocals and a single guitar.

This album is a bit special and should be treated as such. Unplug the phone, light some candles and listen to it on your own.

To get an insight into the lives of Adjagas and the unique world of the Sami people and their Yoiking culture, check out this short video:
Big | Medium | Small

Label: Ever Records
Website: www.everrecords.com/adjagas/
Release date: 29th January 2007

Tracklist:

1. Lihkulaš
2. Dolgemáŧki
3. Mun Ja Mun
4. Rievdadeapmi
5. Guoros Fatnasat
6. Siivu
7. Ozan
8. Lavvu Vuovddis
9. Suvvi Ijat
10. Láve Niigá