Wimme + Rinne – Ivgu (Rockadillo Records, 2025)
After an eight-year hiatus, Sámi vocalist Wimme Saari and Finnish sound design artist Tapani Rinne reunite for Ivgu, released in 2025 on Rockadillo Records. The duo’s previous collaboration, Human (2017), received critical acclaim in international world music outlets. Since then, the two have remained active, Rinne with his band RinneRadio and solo projects, and Wimme with various live performances worldwide.
The initial recording sessions for Ivgu took place in early 2023 at Lásságámmi, the former home and creative retreat of renowned Sámi poet and yoiker Nils-Aslak Valkeapää. Located in Ivgubahta (Skibotn), northern Norway, known in Sámi as Ivgu, the residence by the southeastern shore of the Lyngen fjord provided both name and inspiration for the album.
According to Wimme and Rinne, the project was shaped by improvisation and instinct. Rather than follow a premeditated structure, they explored subconscious terrain and sound experimentation. As Rinne notes, the creative process evoked memories of their 1995 debut together.
One notable addition is Japanese vocalist Kirilola, former frontwoman of the experimental trio eX-Girl. Initially collaborating with Wimme for her Tokyo stage production White Tiger Moonlight, she later recorded vocals on five of the eight tracks. Notably, her elegant melodic input adds contrast and nuance to Wimme’s raw, evocative yoik.
Minimalist and abstract, Ivgu offers a meditative listening experience that resists literal interpretation. With no lyrics, only vocal sounds and emotional intonation, the songs rely on atmosphere and suggestion rather than specific messaging. Titles are presented in multiple languages (Northern Sámi, Finnish, English, and Japanese), hinting at their emotional and thematic content.
Ultimately, Ivgu channels the same fearless originality that defined Wimme’s debut three decades ago, introspective, genre-defiant, and unafraid to explore the unknown.
Musicians: Wimme Saari on yoik vocals; Tapani Rinne on bass clarinet, saxophones, keyboards; Kirilola on vocals on tracks 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8.
Mixed and mastered by Pauli Saastamoinen.
Cover Art by Wimme Saari. Design by Ilkka Kärkkäinen. Photo by Pentti Hokkanen.
Track List
- Beaivvážan / Aurinkoni / My Sun – 2:34
- Duohtavuohta / Totuus / Truth – 5:14
- Ikigai / Eallima Ulbmil / Elämän Tarkoitus / Purpose of Life – 3:56
- Rings of Earth / Eatnama Rieggis / Maan Rengas – 4:43
- Peace Machine / Ráfi Mášen / Rauhankone – 5:06
- Guovssahasat / Revontulet / Aurora Borealis – 4:28
- After the Anthropocene / Maŋŋel Antroposeana / Jälkeen Antroposeenin – 8:44
- Let the Rain Fall / Divtte Arvvi Arvit / Anna Sateen Tulla – 5:17
Author: Tyler Bennet
