On her new album Alva, singer, musician, activist and cultural icon Mari Boine offers glimpses into a childhood which she abandoned when she chose to leave behind a strict religious upbringing in order to pursue a life of activism. The new studio record reflects on finding the balance the between her, the at times lonely, mission to share the culture and histories of the Sámi people through music to people across the world, and her personal journey and relationships.
The poignancy of the record reaches an emotional high on the mournful “Mu eadni” (Mother of Mine), wherein Mari laments her own relationship with her mother.
She is also found reflective on “Oainnestan” (Glimpses), when looking at the relationship she has with her son.
Alva reflects the “willpower” of its name, and takes the listener on a musical journey of exhilarating momentum, spurred along by a full band.
There’s an emancipated energy that is also reflected in the music, soaring to new heights over vast imagined landscapes of the tundra of Northern Norway.
Side A: 1. Die dien luohkkái / Up That Hill / 2. Dánsso fal mu váhkaran / Keep On Dancing Váhkaran / 3. Olamuttos letne ain / Still Within Reach / 4. Oidnojuvvon / Destiny
Side B: 5. Mu eadni / Mother of Mine / 6. Várjalivccet min vuolláneames / Keep Us From Giving Up / 7. Miedušteapmi / Halfway Home
Side C: 8. Anárjoh’gáttis / By My Beautiful River / 9. Oainnestan / Glimpses / 10. Vuoi beaivi don eallima addi / O Beaivi Giver of Life
Side D: 11. Áhkánsuolu / 12. Rohkos / A Prayer / 13. Lean dás / I Am Always Here
