Birgon Biergu – Gula! Márrá!
LEAGUS, consisting of pianist Herborg Rundberg and guitarist Kristian Svalestad Olstad, is a contemporary and experimental musical duo from the Norwegian side of Sápmi. Their music alternates between formal composed parts, open structures and free improvisation, and ranges from subdued, minimalistic, psalm-like pieces to more rock-oriented improvised parts. The name LEAGUS is Sámi slang for asking for something, and originates from the area in which Herborg herself was born; Kåfjord. It is her Sámi background, and her work with traditional and classical music, along with Kristian's extended use of guitar and electronics, that forms the basis of LEAGUS' sound, which has, over time, developed into an exploratory and complex sonic universe, with musical contrasts playing a big role in their concept. LEAGUS was originally formed in 2013, and their two previous albums, Lea Aigi, and Naimaka both received critical acclaim, and served to establish LEAGUS as an up-and-coming band within the northern Norwegian experimental scene. In 2021 LEAGUS was commissioned by the North Norwegian Jazz Ensemble to write a piece for a ten-member orchestra. The result was Flora Eallin, which led to a national tour in 2021, and a release on Is It Jazz? Records in 2023.