Gabba

A fascinating, self-titled debut here from Norwegian band Gabba, whose music has been garnering extremely positive reviews in their native country. Gabba are led by the blind joik master John André Eira alongside ‘friends and bandmates.’ Joik is a traditional Sámi form of musical expression, a sonic identity-marker that can be thought of as akin to a keepsake or a photograph. Each joik is unique to a particular person, and young Sámi would receive a joik upon reaching adolescence.

Gabba blend this joik tradition with Norwegian folk, African rhythms and blues into something wholly original. Their music encompasses the expected Sámi moods of beauty, bleakness and longing. Eira’s vocals, so reminiscent of Native American chant (a study in itself) are captivating in their deceptive simplicity, and the a cappella numbers are wonderfully stirring. What make this album stand out, however, are its added elements. Slide-guitar, crashing drums and jazz brass collide with this ancient world and the effect is both startling and memorable. In truth, this is fusion music at its finest – performed with balance and respect. The rough-diamond guitar, supplied by Christoffer Mietle Furuheim, would sound equally at home in both Mississippi and Mali. Espen Bakkes’ electric bass pulses with subtle, dub-inflected poise. The aforementioned brass comes courtesy of a guest appearance by Idar Eliassen Pedersen, who does wonders with the little space allotted. A fine album for open-minded listeners.