The Mighty Ra, a Welsh-based band released their debut album All Secrets Known in 2022 and Now In A Minute is their new studio album. The Mighty Ra consists of: Andy Edwards (guitarist, singer, songwriter) who has played on some of the earlier Cyan albums, Rob Griffins (drums) has played in a range of bands, Dave Rowe is an experienced bass player, while Jeremy Robberechts (keyboards) replaces old member Rob Wilsher. Now In A Minute showcases prog rock in a classical way but also with some heavier musical elements, with the spectacular guitar work of Edwards as a dominant musical factor. Gods Of Reality is a great opener, featuring huge guitar walls and ripping guitar solos, creating a big atmospheric sound with an extremely addictive chorus. Next up is Mr. Disingenuous, the longest song of the album, which starts jazzy but soon evolves into a prog gem, again with a great chorus indeed. New Wheel again is "stuffed" with heavy guitar passages and organ parts/passages, reminding me of the ever so notorious Uriah Heep. Sakura, starting with a spoken lyric, is a furious hard rock song in the veins of no one less than Rainbow and/or Deep Purple, while Edwards plays a David Gilmour-like guitar solo in Last Night On Earth; again a wonderful song which is slightly "ruined" by the completely unexpected saxophone solo..... The closer of this stunning album is called Stories Of Old, an atmospheric ballad, which has certain folk elements, mainly due to the acoustic based approach of this song. Now In A Minute is a truly well-crafted prog rock album, mixing elements of heavy, prog, melodic and classic rock with memorable guitar work and lots of interesting songs to enjoy!! Listening tip: Sakura! **** Martien Koolen (edited by Dave Smith) Where to buy? |
