" data-original-title="" title="">Daniel Herskedal on tuba and percussionist Jakop Janss?nn, who weave their own subtle languages throughout, this is a compelling set of traditionally-inspired, contemporary-tinged folk songs.

When not on the road two hundred days a year, twenty-three-year Mortensson helps her family herd reindeer. Her close connection to nature, and to an ancient way of life, provides the inspiration for these delicately spun, wondrous soundscapes. The solo-sung, a cappella "Miesiej vuelie (The Reindeer Calves)"—one of several reimagined traditional songs—is a fleeting vignette, but the minute is plenty enough time to fall for the delicate gravitas of Mortensson's curiously bewitching voice. A trio arrangement of the same tune falls in the middle of the album; Herskedal loops a slow-burning ostinato and then carves a path of plaintive lyricism, while Janss?nn's spare percussion provides a steady pulse for Mortensson's sultry narrative. At once child-like and wise, Mortensson's hypnotic voice softly ensnares like slowly curling smoke.

Deep, undulating tuba drones announce "Svakhen vuelie (The Mountains of Svahke)" like an incantation, before Janss?nn's sure rhythmic impetus and Mortenson's vocal riffing lift the music into celebratory realm. A change of pace briefly instils a more meditative mood before the trio, steered by Mortensson's mantra-like riff, combines in a rousing finale. Mortensson's ability to shift the music from prayer-like reverie to earthy funk also characterizes "Daniel Mortenson," where the singer's circular path is bookended by bouyant rhythms and a warm-toned solo from Herskedal, who navigates between hymnal balm and tumbling bebop release.

Mortensson bridges past and present with "Johan A. Persson," a traditional song gleaned from an early twentieth century phonograph recording—though it is quite likely much older—where her insistent work song-type chant contrasts with Herskedal's freer rein. All the while Janss?nn stirs the pot, his pattering sticks, ritualistic shaker and intermittent metallic chimes coloring the music in much the imaginative way that Jarod Cagwin animates