This Saturday, May 24, 2025, the picturesque Dobrinj on the island of Krk will become the epicenter of a unique musical experience. Namely, the acclaimed experimental rock-jazz-ethno quartet Truth ≠ Tribe is arriving in the very heart of the town, at Dobrinj Square. This concert, which begins at 8:00 PM, presents a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in a sound that pushes boundaries and connects seemingly incompatible musical worlds, and it is organized with the wholehearted support of the Municipality of Dobrinj and the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Dobrinj, ensuring free entry for all visitors.

Musical alchemy on Krk's square

Truth ≠ Tribe is not just an ordinary band; it is a musical collective that brings together some of the most intriguing and innovative names from the Croatian alternative and jazz scene. Their music, although primarily instrumental, is deeply imbued with Croatian musical tradition. Mak Murtić, known for his work with the Mimika Orchestra and numerous other projects, in addition to saxophone and flute, also introduces the sound of a traditional wind instrument from the island of Krk – the sopila – into the band's musical expression. Murtić skillfully incorporates these ancient wooden aerophone instruments, whose piercing sound has echoed through Kvarner for centuries, into contemporary arrangements. Alongside him, Nenad Kovačić, a percussionist whose versatility is evident in his work with numerous ethno and jazz ensembles, uses a wide palette of indigenous percussion instruments, giving the band's rhythmic section a unique, earthy stamp. These traditional elements form the foundation upon which the band builds its complex sound structures.

On this rich ethno foundation, Truth ≠ Tribe masterfully upgrades influences from diverse musical genres. The legacy of jazz is strongly present, especially in its more avant-garde and freer forms, which allows the band members improvisational play and exploration. Contemporary musical expression is evident in complex harmonies and unconventional song structures. A particularly interesting segment of their sound is the influence of rock from former Yugoslavia, the so-called "YU rock," which is mostly manifested through the atmospheric and often distorted guitar textures of Nenad Sinkauz. Sinkauz, also known for his work in theater and film music, creates soundscapes with his guitar skills that range from subtle melodies to explosive riffs. The innovative approach to music is rounded off by Jurica Rukljić on the tuba, an instrument rarely encountered in such musical combinations. Rukljić further expands the sound possibilities of the tuba by using electric guitar pedals, thereby giving this traditionally orchestral instrument a completely new dimension and role within the band.

The "Truth ≠ Tribe and Sopci" project: A blend of tradition and modernity

The upcoming performance in Dobrinj is not just another concert in a series for Truth ≠ Tribe. It is held as part of a significant project called "Pravda ≠ Plemja i sopci" (Justice ≠ Tribes and Sopci), whose goal is precisely to connect contemporary musical expressions with local traditional heritage. As part of this commendable project, the band members will hold a music workshop the day before the concert, on Friday, May 23rd. This interactive workshop will be organized in collaboration with members of the local Cultural-Artistic Society Kras, well-known sopci players who nurture the tradition of playing the sopila. The workshop will provide a unique opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and experience between established musicians and guardians of local heritage, opening a space for creative collaboration and possible new musical ideas. All those interested in the rich cultural offer of Dobrinj are invited to support this event.

The culmination of this collaboration will take place at the concert itself on Saturday, when the members of Truth ≠ Tribe will be joined on stage by the sopci players from KUD Kras. This fusion of a modern quartet and traditional sopila players promises an extraordinary musical experience, where the sounds of the past and present will intertwine, creating a unique soundscape that will surely resonate through Dobrinj Square.

Sound that challenges and invites to dance

The music of Truth ≠ Tribe is described as a journey that balances between extremes: complexity and minimalism, intricate polyrhythms and spacious soundscapes, tightly structured compositions and completely free improvisation. Their expression is characterized by a raw, almost punk energy that subtly mixes with lyrical and emotional melodic lines. The band is not afraid to musically reside "on the edge," constantly challenging both themselves and their audience. Their performances are not mere reproductions of recorded material; they are living organisms that change and evolve with each performance. The audience is invited to careful, active listening, in order to immerse themselves in all layers of their music, but at the same time to surrender to the rhythm and dance, because the energy that the band emits from the stage rarely leaves anyone indifferent.

Founded in 2017, Truth ≠ Tribe emerged from the vibrant and vital Zagreb jazz scene, as a kind of "off-shoot" or derivative of influential bands such as Živa Voda, known for its arrangements of traditional songs in modern arrangements, and the renowned Mimika Orchestra. It is interesting to mention that Mimika Orchestra, led by Mak Murtić, also performed at Dobrinj Square three years ago, leaving a strong impression on the audience. The formation of Truth ≠ Tribe can also be seen as a sharper, more direct, and more expressive musical response to the then musical climate and broader social events in Croatia, offering a critical review through instrumental music that speaks more than words.

Albums and accolades

Since its inception, Truth ≠ Tribe has gained recognition from both audiences and critics. They have released two highly acclaimed albums. Their debut "Distances", released by Hitchtone Records (HR), laid the foundations of their recognizable sound and introduced them as an important new force on the scene. This was followed by the album "Live at Vinyl Factory", released by the British label Rika Muzika, which faithfully captured the raw energy and improvisational skill of the band live. Their importance was also recognized by their inclusion on the award-winning compilation "Zagreb Calling" (Menart, HR), which mapped and highlighted key actors of the new alternative music scene in Croatia, confirming their role as one of the leaders of innovative sound.

For the audience in Dobrinj, the band is preparing a special treat. In addition to material from previous albums, Truth ≠ Tribe will on this occasion perform some completely new compositions that will be featured on their upcoming, third studio album. This means that concert visitors will have an exclusive opportunity to be among the first to hear in which direction this tireless musical collective is moving and what new sound adventures they are preparing for us.

Therefore, if you find yourself on the island of Krk this Saturday, May 24th, or if you are looking for a unique cultural experience, do not miss the Truth ≠ Tribe concert in Dobrinj. Dobrinj Square, starting at 8:00 PM, will be the place where tradition and avant-garde, energy and subtlety meet, all with free entry thanks to the support of the Municipality of Dobrinj and the Dobrinj Tourist Board. Prepare for a musical journey that will shake you, inspire you, and surely remain in your memory for a long time as one of the highlights of the cultural offer of the island of Krk.