Album Review: USA 2007 Transylvanian Village Music by Üsztürü
There’s something raw and unfiltered about USA 2007 Transylvanian Village Music. This self-released gem from Üsztürü feels like stumbling into a hidden village festival, where the air is thick with tradition, sweat, and soul. It’s folk music that doesn’t try to impress you—it just is. And honestly? That’s what makes it unforgettable.
The album dives deep into the heart of Transylvanian sounds, blending Népzene (Hungarian folk) with earthy instrumentation. You’ve got cimbalom wizardry from Szász József Árpád, double bass groans courtesy of Szász Lőrinc, and violins that’ll make your chest ache. Tracks like “Gyimes” and “Kalotaszeg” are burned into my brain—not because they’re perfect but because they feel alive.
Take “Gyimes,” for instance. The track opens with this hypnotic violin riff that pulls you in like a warm hug from someone you haven’t seen in years. Then Mariann Nyitrai’s voice comes in—clear, strong, almost haunting—and suddenly you’re not listening anymore; you’re living it. There’s no pretense here, just pure emotion spilling out. I found myself rewinding this one over and over, trying to figure out why it hit so hard. Maybe it’s the way the instruments seem to breathe together, or maybe it’s how Nyitrai sings like she’s telling an old family secret. Either way, it stuck.
Then there’s “Kalotaszeg.” Oh man, this one sneaks up on you. At first, it feels like a lively dance tune, all fiddles and stomping rhythms. But halfway through, something shifts. The tempo slows just enough to let the weight of the melody sink in. It’s bittersweet, like remembering a summer love long after it’s gone. István Moldován Horváth’s violin work here is next-level—he doesn’t just play notes; he tells stories. By the end, you’re left staring at the ceiling, wondering if anyone else noticed how beautiful that was.
What strikes me most about this album isn’t its technical brilliance (though there’s plenty of that). It’s the sense of community. Every track feels like a collaboration between friends who know each other’s quirks and strengths. Engineer Géza Pénzes deserves props too—this thing sounds crisp without losing its rustic charm. And those photos? Props to Imola Lőrincz and Stephen Spinder for capturing the vibe so perfectly.
So yeah, USA 2007 Transylvanian Village Music isn’t flashy. It won’t top any charts, and chances are you’ve never heard of Üsztürü before today. But listen closely, and you might find yourself transported—to a place where time moves slower, where music isn’t made for fame but for connection. Weirdly enough, as I write this, I’m reminded of my grandma’s kitchen table. Not sure why. Maybe great art does that—makes you think of things you didn’t even know you missed.
