Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin

Since their last release, »Awase« (ECM 2018), the band has continuously refined and expanded its repertoire at their own club, »Exile,« in Zurich during their weekly Monday concerts—even during the pandemic. In January 2024, thanks to this consistency, they reached their 1,000th »Montags« concert and will celebrate 20 years of »Montags« concerts in November. The new album therefore features not only the latest developments and pieces such as Modul 63 and Modul 66, but also a combination of new and old material in Modul 70_51 (51 previously appeared on the ECM album »Llyría,« 2010) and the two classics Modul 14 and Modul 23 in completely new arrangements and interpretations.

»Spin« reflects the phase the band is currently in: back to the future, forward to the roots. Ronin’s signature rhythmic style is as present as ever: sophisticated drum beats, pattern, cycle, and groove developments are paired with a joy of playing and deliberate liberties within clear structures. The band members’ flair for chamber-music-like details, sound blending, ghost notes, and micro-phrasing refreshes the music live and on record as before. New to this is the compact and earthy band sound, through which subtle references to indie, post-rock, and ambient pop shine through. The immediate groove energy in this new quartet featuring Jeremias Keller is evident. He showcases his class, sonic diversity, and unadorned nuance most recently on his brilliant solo album »Alloy« (RRR 2023), on which he played all instruments himself and also produced it himself, based on variations of modular compositions by Bärtsch.

Ronin performs regularly at their club Exile and on tours across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. This album is therefore fueled by the joy and energy the band ignites through their connection with dedicated audiences around the world. The album was recorded by Lars Dölle, the band’s sound engineer, and produced independently, making it a completely self-produced work. It captures the authentic and original Ronin spirit: a total focus on the music and the community it creates. The tracks were recorded live together in the studio and are based on the idea of a groove crafted with skill—the band’s credo since its founding in 2001.

»Spin« relies on the good old idea of a complete album as a dramatic structure and program, drawing on years of experience performing together. There is therefore no single release. The various tracks showcase different aspects of the philosophy and working methods of Ronin and bandleader Nik Bärtsch.