Mother Tongue

Artist: Janubia
Type: Album
Release date: 2004
Run time: 39:26
My Rating: 9

1. Setah (4:30)
2. Betinah Vijad (3:13)
3. Auno Mauno Sahn (4:11)
4. Bepehon (5:06)
5. Al Son (2:41)
6. Deju (4:05)
7. Pe Than (2:52)
8. Pohn Fohn Son (4:06)
9. Son Raih Si (3:01)
10. Haih (5:36)

Comments

Like Adiemus, Janubia's lyrics are in a completely invented language, though in this case it doesn't resemble any other. The use of mandolins and guitars gives a Spanish flavour, though Janubia doesn't link her music with any particular nationality. She has a voice well suited to both the slower tracks like Auno Mauno Sahn and the other mostly up-tempo tracks.

A couple of the tracks (particularly Betinah Vijad) reminded me of the Japanese pop tunes you often get on Anime. Bepehon is pretty cool and demonstrates the versatility of Janubia's vocal abilities. Son Raih Si is very mellow and wouldn't sound out of place on a Dead Can Dance album. The climax to the album, Haih closes with some neat multi-layered vocals. Altogether a great debut release.

Janubia's website has some samples from this album.