It might not set you on fire, but it won't send you to sleep either.
Adjagas are a Norwegian band, taking their name from the Sami word describing the mental state between sleeping and waking, a highly appropriate title given that their music is dreamlike and almost hypnotic at times. Their debut album sold over 6000 copies in two months in Norway by word of mouth interest alone; and this UK single is a taster for what we can expect when it is released here in January.
'Mun Ja Mun' is characterised by soft, chanted rhythmic melodies, delicate piano elements and gentle guitar strummings. It is reflective music, with a strong beat, pleasant melody and world music influence; perfect for chilling out to alone in the evening or playing in the background at a laidback party. Adjagas are however unlikely to wow audiences with this track;, tuneful and well-crafted as it is it lacks passion and parts of it (especially the vocal elements) quickly become repetitive.
The second and third tracks on this single are different versions of the first, and barely distinguishable from one another (or the title track) even after several listens. The original version in particular appears to be only slightly different to the radio edit, and the instrumental version is only altered in the sense implied by its title. 'Mun Ja Mun', in all the versions presented here, does have its charms, but it's hard to imagine it setting anyone on fire.