in Reviews

A refreshing newcomer in the Finnish music scene

by Tove Djupsjöbacka

"​Vildá is a very refreshing addition to the Finnish world music scene, a combination of top-notch accordion playing by Viivi Maria Saarenkylä and the truly unique sounds that Hildá Länsman produces with her voice, both without words and in her native language, Northern Sámi."

Vildá is a very refreshing addition to the Finnish world music scene, a combination of top-notch accordion playing by Viivi Maria Saarenkylä and the truly unique sounds that Hildá Länsman produces with her voice, both without words and in her native language, Northern Sámi. We have seen her before in the ensemble Solju, where she makes music with her mother Ulla Pirttijärvi-Länsman, also showing her skills as a singer with blues-pop colours. Here, however, the sound is more down to earth and closer to her yoik heritage.

Together, the two musicians sound like a much bigger ensemble without losing the intimacy of being only a duo. Personally, I also like how they toy with a popular music feel, as in the cool ‘Utsjoki-disko’. The rhythm is sparkling and energetic, but there is also space for calm and still landscapes with an Arctic feel.

All tracks are original pieces except for their elegant cover of the Mari Boine classic ‘Goaskinviellja’. Most of them are quite short, sometimes almost too short for my taste. This might be something to work on in the future: how to build musical ideas into something bigger.

VILDÁ: Vildaluodda - Wildprint
2019 Bafe's Factory

Vildá will perform at Groeningen’s Eurosonic on 15th January, 2021 at 20:55 CET. Eurosonic will be organised as a digital event for the first time in history. In addition to Vildá, the event includes other three Finnish acts: Yotto, MA Rouf and Suad. Read more about Ma Rouf here, Yotto here and Suad here.