Hjemve: Vocal Music from Folldal

How can you not fall for an opening track which begins with the words ‘Bom-bom, bom-bom, didde-lidde-lei’? It dances, carefree, through the meadows, and before you know it you’re joining in. It’s a catchy Norwegian dance tune and a great way to get to know Plassen’s voice and style.

She grew up in Folldal in the Østerdalen region of Norway, an area rich in folk music, and where, she says, she was surrounded by instrumental music. It was years later that she became aware of the singing tradition and, in particular, the tradition of dance music performed vocally. If you’ve managed to get past the opening track you’ll now find yourself whisked into the highly mischievous ‘Summe Gong’ where Plassen shows how she can vary her voice enough to capture a whole dance hall. ‘Springar Etter Melvin Tronsgård’ is a more reflective melody with Plassen now soft and lyrical, still just as beguiling. And if you want full-blown melancholy then the heartbreaking ‘Skottenes Hjemve’ is the one. Hjemve (Homesickness) is a beautiful debut album, a collection of 21 songs that are a tribute to her hometown, expertly produced by the outstanding Gjermund Larsen.