Album Review: Laja eta Landakanda by Pepe Yanci
Alright, let’s get into Laja eta Landakanda, the latest drop from Pepe Yanci under the IZ label. If you’re into Folk, World, and Country vibes (and honestly, who isn’t?), this one’s worth a spin. It’s packed with raw energy and feels like a warm hug from someone who just got back from a hike in the Basque countryside. Let’s break it down.
First off, there’s GORROTOA. Man, this track sticks with me. It’s kinda hard not to get lost in its flow—there’s this hypnotic rhythm that feels like your feet are stomping on gravel while your soul’s floating somewhere above you. The melody is simple but hits just right, like when you find an old sweater that still fits perfectly. And those vocals? They’re dripping with emotion, like Pepe's singing straight from his kitchen table after a long day of work. Feels authentic, ya know?
Then there’s KARRIKAN KORRIKA. This one’s wild—it kicks off like a racehorse busting out of the gate. You can almost picture yourself running down cobblestone streets barefoot, heart pounding, wind messing up your hair. The tempo shift halfway through caught me off guard at first, but once it clicked, I was hooked. It’s chaotic in the best way possible, like life itself sometimes. Honestly, I’ve had this track stuck in my head for days, which is saying something because I usually forget song lyrics faster than my own passwords.
The rest of the album has gems too—GOXUA brings some chill vibes, perfect for sipping coffee in the morning, while BESARKADA feels like a big group hug set to music. But what really stands out about this whole project is how unpolished yet intentional it feels. Like, it doesn’t try too hard to impress you; instead, it invites you into Pepe’s world without asking for permission. And honestly? That’s refreshing.
Here’s the thing though—listening to Laja eta Landakanda made me think about how rare it is these days to hear music that feels so grounded. Most stuff nowadays is either super produced or trying too hard to be “different.” This album reminds me of sitting around a campfire with friends, passing around stories and snacks, no pretense whatsoever.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: if this album were food, it’d be a hearty stew. Not fancy, but damn satisfying. Anyway, give it a listen if you want something real. Just don’t blame me if you end up humming KARRIKAN KORRIKA during your next Zoom meeting.
