This
EP, recorded in 1979 and released in 1980, was the first Ruja release. By then, the band had more than eight years under its belt as a top progressive rock act in Estonia. However short this EP was, it was the focal point of the second era of Ruja, the so-called "Nogisto-Kappel" era. The material on this EP is classic, with all three main tracks being among the best Ruja pieces.
Side A
featured the longer piece "Põhi, Lõuna, Ida, Lääs" (North, South, East, West), which was a fantastic multi-section song. The playing, though never overwhelming, is spectacular and within the song's focus. It begins with a quietish acoustic section featuring the acoustic guitars of Jaanus Nõgisto and the trademark singing of Urmas Alender. The beautiful acoustic section floats into the main song, which has a classic rock line. The harpsichord sound employed by Margus Kappel works excellent in the song. Then a dramatic shift into a softer section, with Nõgisto's electric guitar beautifully sounding out over Alender's vocals and 12-string guitar. Then it returns to the aggressive section, with some nice drumming by Ivo Varts. The guitar solo, not spectacular, but is excellent.The song
floats into a musical section much like the "quiet" section of many Yes songs from the early and mid 1970's. Some nice volume pedal work by Nõgisto is soon met with Alender's unmistakable vocals, before the reprise of the main theme. Then it goes into a quite aggressive section as it fades out and segues into the next song, "Keldrikakand" (Wood Louse}. The blip at the end is a bit of the folk influence that permeates Ruja's music, but finishes off with a nice myriad of instruments.The guitars
of Jaanus Nõgisto rings out beautifully throughout the song, as well as they keyboard playing of Margus Kappel. As always, Urmas Alender's vocals are at top form, showing off the lyrics of well-known Estonian writer Juhan Viiding. Excellent piece, one of the best from Ruja.Side B
featured "Laul Teost" (Song about Work), which brings out the folksy and whimsical side of Ruja that so many enjoy. Led by the piano of Margus Kappel, the song switches into and out of a more aggressive sound. The guitar is purely Nõgisto--never fantastic, but a unique sound that makes the music whole. It falls later into a soft, piano and synth section, where Kappel's reprises the main theme. It reaches a crescendo as the song ends. A fun and interesting song.The final
track on the EP was "Üle Müüri" (Over the Wall), which was also put on the memorial compilation CD Must Lind The beautiful acoustic opening with Alender's vocals some vibes and acoustic guitars makes this another classic. The piano work of Kappel brings out the intrigue from the soft song. However, Alender's vocals is the featured part of this soft song. The song ends with a fantastic piano and keyboard passage by Kappel. Another classic.Overall
this first true Ruja release hit the spot. The EP has since become a major collector's item. The music is fantastic.
Mel Huang
Tallinn, Estonia
3 May 1999
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