Čihkkojuvon

These pages are sprinkled with bands that blend pop, hip-hop, reggae and jazz with traditional influences, but prog and hard rock groups are rare. Sámi vocalist Hildá Länsman from Finnish Lapland combines joik with folk-pop in Vildá and Solju – but also roars here with a rock band influenced by the likes of Pink Floyd and Rage Against the Machine. The band has been together for nearly a decade, as evident in their assured riffing, but wouldn’t stand out of the pack without Länsman’s vocals.

Besides Länsman, the main soloist is guitarist Nicholas Francett, who delivers lyrical solos reminiscent of Jonathan Wilson. There are also evocative guest spots from two saxophonists. But the spotlight is clearly on Länsman, who co-wrote most of the songs. She pushes her spiralling joiks to a new level of spine-tingling intensity, adding bluesy bellows and high-pitched ululations. The ferocity is interspersed with tender interludes such as ‘Bieggagaikkohat’ (Snow-Blow). On ‘Hušša Sisa’ (Into the Racket), she utters raven cries over a brooding Radiohead-like background, ending with an exorcising shriek reminiscent of Sandy Denny’s appearance with Led Zeppelin half a century ago. The album ends on a different note, with the playful ‘Vuolgge Muinna’ (Come with Me), featuring nearly-highlife guitar and dance rhythms. While this will appeal more to rock fans than trad aficionados, it’s a tantalising peek at the direction of some young indigenous musicians – and another side of Länsman’s multi-faceted art.