Next to Silence: Ruh

Ruh marks the highly anticipated return of Macedonian jazz band Next to Silence, arriving at a pivotal moment of reflection and renewal. The album is deeply shaped by the loss of one of the band's founding members, trumpeter Aleksandar Nikolovski (Grobi), who tragically passed away from cancer in 2021. Grobi's presence was integral to the band's unique sound. His performance at the Prilep Jazz Festival in 2020, showcased Grobi's and the band's emotionally charged and technically brilliant music.

In 2022, Next to Silence, along with other friends and the band Sethstat—where he was also an integral member—paid tribute to Grobi with a concert at the Youth Center. That emotional weight and reflection carry seamlessly into Ruh, the band's sophomore effort. For this album, they welcomed two new members—guitarist Adi Imeri and soprano saxophonist Kire Kuzmanov—into the fold, which has breathed new life into their compositions. In fact, Imeri had already performed with the band on several occasions, but this marks the first time he has recorded with them. Yet, despite this infusion of fresh energy, Grobi's spirit still resonates throughout the record, creating a compelling blend of the band's past and future. The title Ruh, the Arabic word for "spirit," perfectly encapsulates the album's essence, serving as both a tribute to Grobi's enduring influence and a testament to the band's ongoing evolution.

Despite its deeply personal nature, Ruh is not a moody or somber record. While the band clearly pays tribute to their late band mate, they do so by crafting excellent compositions that allow their collective chemistry to shine. The album opens with the lively "Arcana," featuring twisty melodies and jaunty rhythms that set an energetic tone. The band quickly locks into dynamic exchanges, with the initial melodic simplicity evolving into more intricate improvisations. The interplay between piano, guitar, and soprano sax becomes a central focus, as Kuzmanov's soprano saxophone adds delicate yet poignant flourishes that elevate the track's emotional depth.

The compositions build on the chemistry that was already evident in their debut album, but now with a deeper sense of emotion and maturity. Each track flows organically into the next, creating an immersive listening experience where moments of beauty and melancholy intertwine seamlessly. The set continues with the mid-tempo "Hanya," a standout piece where every member of the band gets a moment to shine. Adi Imeri delivers an underrated yet expressive guitar solo, departing from his usual noisier style to channel the grace and subtle elegance of Mick Goodrich. Meanwhile, Dimishkovski adds a playful touch on the piano, dancing over rollicking beats and layered with atmospheric "aaa" choir chants. The combination of these elements brings both texture and vitality to the piece, making it one of the album's highlights.

"PokratKovka" follows a similar template, where the composition begins at a measured mid-tempo pace before gradually building to an intense, full-throttle conclusion, with the band firing on all cylinders. Each track on the album showcases the group's ability to seamlessly transition from structured arrangements to free-flowing jams, all anchored by strong writing and memorable melodic hooks. While the band's signature sound is evident throughout, the tunes remain distinct from one another, offering unique sonic landscapes and emotional depth within each piece.

Not everything on this record is up-tempo or filled with fiery energy. The closing track, "Ushabti" takes a more reflective turn, beginning with Kiril Kuzmanov's soprano saxophone, which evokes the wistful, ethereal tones reminiscent of Jan Garbarek. It is a piece that takes its time to unfold, allowing space for subtle piano flourishes and delicate interplay between the instruments. Adi Imeri's soft, almost whispered vocals blend into the background, while the bass carries a melodic line, adding a grounding element to the composition. The track feels unhurried, gradually revealing its emotional layers and offering a meditative, introspective close to the album.

In closing, Ruh is a thoughtful and well-crafted album that shows Next to Silence's growth as a band. Though influenced by the loss of a key member, the music is not weighed down by grief. Instead, it balances moments of reflection with lively, inventive playing, keeping the group's chemistry at the forefront. The compositions are engaging and well-executed, allowing the band to move forward without losing touch with their roots. Ruh is a solid, cohesive record that leaves a strong impression, demonstrating the band's continued development and dedication to their craft.