Album Review: Za V Žep by UbranaUrbana – A Folk Gem from Slovenia
If you’re into raw, earthy folk music that feels like it’s been pulled straight out of a Slovenian village fair, Za V Žep by UbranaUrbana is worth your time. Released in 2012 on Čadrg Records, this album blends traditional folk vibes with a modern twist, creating something both nostalgic and refreshingly unpredictable. It’s not perfect, but it’s got soul—and sometimes that’s all you need.
The album kicks off with “Prva Žepna Pesem,” which translates to “First Pocket Song.” And yeah, it kinda feels like finding an old, crumpled note in your jacket pocket—simple yet meaningful. The hurdy gurdy work by Samo Kutin here is hypnotic, giving the track a droning, almost medieval vibe. You can practically picture a group of villagers dancing around a fire somewhere in the Slovenian hills. It’s one of those tracks that sticks with you because it doesn’t try too hard; it just is.
Another standout is “Golobi” (translation: "Doves"). This one’s slower, more introspective, and honestly? It hits different. Tadej Čauševič’s goblet drum adds this steady heartbeat rhythm while the strings weave in and out like whispers. There’s a sense of longing here, like staring at the horizon and wondering what’s beyond. It’s haunting in the best way possible, and I found myself hitting repeat more than once just to soak it all in.
What makes Za V Žep special isn’t just the music—it’s the people behind it. Tadej Čauševič wears multiple hats, handling design, percussion, and strings, proving he’s not just talented but also committed to the project. Meanwhile, Aleš Šembrek’s recording skills give the album a warm, intimate feel, as if you’re sitting right there in the room with the band. Shoutout to photographers Nina Golob and Nuša Novak too, whose visuals complement the rustic charm of the music.
Sure, some tracks meander a bit, and there are moments where the production could’ve been tighter. But honestly? That rough-around-the-edges quality works for an album like this. It’s real. Unpolished. Human.
Final thought: Listening to Za V Žep feels like taking a step back in time—but not in a cheesy Renaissance-fair kind of way. More like stumbling upon an old family photo album and realizing how much life has changed since then. Or hasn’t. Who knows? Maybe that’s why they call it folk music.
Oh, and fun fact: Did you know Tadej Čauševič plays three roles on this album? Now imagine him running around the studio, switching between instruments and adjusting artwork proofs. Kinda makes you wonder if he ever slept during the making of this thing.
