NOW IN A MINUTE

Now In A Minute is an amusing Welsh phrase meaning something will happen soon, but maybe not immediately - and is an intriguing blend of urgency and procrastination. Given their recent history, it seems an appropriate and playful title for second studio album from the Welsh melodic prog rock band The Mighty Ra. Their 2022 debut, All Secrets Known, from these seasoned and experienced musicians, was a highly enjoyable affair, and their live debut at that summer's Prog For Peart festival was well-received. A live album from that performance, Live Secrets, captured their on stage energy, and this was followed by the Controlling The Burn EP in March 2023.

However, the departure of keyboardist Rob Wilsher for Karnataka at that time, seemed to pull the rug from under the band, and certainly affected their forward momentum. Although Rob was able to fulfil a number of live shows for a time, the need for a suitable replacement keyboardist, and even the resolve of the band to continue its musical vision, was sorely tested. Line-up changes are a constant feature of most prog rock bands, and whilst some survive them intact, others are less successful. However, it is pleasing to see that with the recruitment of Jeremy Robberechts on keyboards, to join founding members Andy Edwards (guitar & vocals), Dave Rowe (bass, pedals & vocals) and Rob Griffiths (drums), the band seem back on track, with the new Now In A Minute album not only being another great release, but showing a band successfully balancing their previous signature sound with a refreshingly different feel at times.

Although I would still describe them as melodic progressive rock, like many on the current UK prog circuit The Mighty Ra are musically informed by the classic UK heavy and hard rock sound of the 70s and 80s. However, there is no doubt that they incorporate progressive flourishes (particularly neo-prog), have a propensity for extended and more complex compositions at times, an ability to sprinkle other genre influences (such as psychedelia and jazz) and follow an eclectic approach to lyrical content and subject matter. Having an expressive keyboardist doesn't necessarily make a band 'prog', but it does broaden and deepen their musical range. Whilst Rob added a symphonic rock style to the band's debut (I likened it to Mark Stanway's contribution to the pomp rock of Magnum at the time), Jeremy's approach is more akin to the Hammond organ vibe of the likes of Jon Lord (Deep Purple/Whitesnake) and Ken Hensley (Uriah Heep). The result is a heavier, classic rock sound on the album at times, but without losing that expansive and exploratory musical vision that prog offers the discerning listener.

In addition, The Mighty Ra have always had a cutting lyrical edge to them, not least their diatribe against organised religion, conformity and conspiracy theories on the debut album's closer, A Bigger Lie. On the latest album it comes through even stronger. With the anti-establishment zeal of the old, Sons of Glyndŵr, they tackle both the modern and historical world head-on, with an "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" attitude (for those old enough who remember Peter Finch's character in the 1976 film Network.) There is a feisty angst from Andy and Dave that would do Roger Waters proud, and it provides a refreshing and edgy counterpoint to the band's instrumental virtuosity.

There are 8 tracks in total, providing a recognisable musical style, but not without a diversity of musical and lyrical ingredients to add flavour and spice. Gods of Reality starts the album powerfully, with slab of energetic, swaggering, classic hard rock. An observation of the world as it really is - where power, greed and wealth go hand in hand. Andy's no-nonsense, sneering vocals add their scorn, with Dave adding a megaphone delivered manifesto later, to further emphasise the tone of the catchy chorus: "So, bow, To the gods of reality. At the feet, Of the gods of reality." Andy's guitar soloing shines brightly, backed by Dave and Rob's insistent rhythm and Jeremy's stabs of organ. There is a distant hint of Zeppelin's Kashmir at times too, and a powerful anthematic finale to boot.

By contrast, Mr. Disingenuous, starts with a lovely, smooth, jazzy, Steely Dan vibe and a sauntering bass and drum rhythm, peppered with rising guitar-led surges. Andy's vocals have a laid-back, understated feel, but gradually build in intensity through to the arrival of the chorus. The song is another rant against the modern world, focusing on the lies spun by advertisers, marketeers and politicians to deceive every one of us. Television presenters, shopping channels, even the news - just tune in and be misled! "Here's Mr, Disingenuous. Mr. Insincere. Master of the Universe, And everything we fear."

After a dreamy, mid-point interlude, the rich instrumental interplay builds nicely, with flowing retro organ and more exceptional melodic guitar playing, climaxing in a soaring solo and a powerful reprise of the chorus. A multi-faceted angst-ridden epic that has impressed when played live previously but really comes into its own on the album.

The departure of keyboardist, Rob Wilsher, clearly had quite an effect on the band, and the very personal New Wheel, mixes the regret and disappointment at this change in personnel, with the determination to adapt, search for a new band member and defiantly continue with the band's musical vision - ultimately culminating in this album. "A new wheel in the machine. Another player in the dream. We will find you. And begin again." Instrumentally, the track has a real Deep Purple feel, with a nice rumbling bass and Jon Lord-like keyboard thrusts and proggy noodlings from Jeremy - who asserts this own style well, accompanied by dynamic guitar riffs and another glorious solo from Andy, prior to an intense climax.

Sakuru is a Japanese-tinged composition from Dave, that compares the human condition to that of the cherry blossom that bears the song's title. It looks at life v death, evolution, sustainability and considers vibrant beauty, brief fulfilment, sad demise but its ultimate longevity in its intriguing lyrics. Interspersed with exotic spoken words and a mediative Japanese haiku poem, musically it has another Purple/Heep 70s hard rock feel, with a memorable, repeating "She is Sakura" vocal motif. Once again, organ chords, sad dreamy synths, more dynamic guitar and a strutting rock character intertwine throughout, along with more impressive and extended guitar soloing to close this vibrant melodic rock track.

Fashoda is a story-driven song, recalling a stand-off incident between Britain and France in the Sudan in 1898. Effectively an imperialist power play between the two countries, curtailed by the withdrawal of the smaller French expeditionary force from an isolated British fort on the Nile. It ultimately had some significance in the run up to the First World War, and later conflicts in Africa. It is an interesting topic for further exploration and does highlight the band's progressive tendencies to incorporate historical themes and off-kilter content into their melodic prog rock. Musically it builds up a nice head of steam over Rob's cantering drum patterns, with some nice changes in pace, ambience and intensity, lush organ and piercing, heavy guitar riffs. An Eastern-edged musical atmosphere rises from the hot sands later, with some pleasing keyboard patterns from Jeremy adding to an exotic finale.

Last Night On Earth begins with a funky, later-era Pink Floyd feel, with Rob taking over vocal duties. Lyrically, it is nicely ambiguous. Is this an escape from a dying Earth and a venture into space, or are we talking about death and a move to the next phase, for better or for worse? A farewell or even a salute to the past? "On this last night on Earth, this last night on Earth." The music sways and dances over Gilmour-like guitar patterns, with a more progressive/psychedelic vibe, especially during the more reflective later section and then an expressive saxophone burst from Myke Clifford.

Revolution is a refreshingly upbeat call to arms from the band, with almost a pop-prog It Bites character, mixing exuberant driving rock, with some nicely judged proggy keyboards, changing rhythms, playful melodic guitar and engaging vocals from Andy. Lyrically, it is essentially a shout of, 'hang on, the people don't want war!' "Carry on to the end of the earth, Fighting for truth and what it is worth. Revolution is here, I've seen it today, The voice of the people with something to say."

The album closes with Stories Of Old. Beginning with gentle acoustic guitar and flute-like synths. There is a contemplative feel to the music as Andy's vocals consider the stories of old, retold, of adventures, hopes, fears, dreams, places and people ? but whether they are true or not remains to be seen. Rob's marching drums set the scene, and Jeremy adds delicate piano notes over a background keyboard wash, creating a melancholic and slightly uncertain atmosphere. There is some expressive ensemble playing from all the band prior to a more powerful, yet rueful. return to the lyrics, a moving closing guitar solo and an almost resigned acoustic guitar-led audience rendition of one of the verses (producing a persistent earworm in the process). "It's the same old story we tell, In the book we could write, That would tell it so well. All the places and people we've seen, And everything we could have been." It is a pleasantly different end to an album that has more light and shade than you might have thought, given its overall driving melodic prog rock template.

With Now In A Minute, The Mighty Ra have produced another highly enjoyable album bursting with the infectious drive of classic-era UK hard rock, but with a progressive sparkle throughout. Contemporary, engaging and edgy lyrics, extended, virtuosic instrumental passages and a musical tightness within the band to be admired, the Welsh melodic proggers seem rejuvenated. If I can appropriate a classic Thin Lizzy song - "The boyos are back in town - spread the word around!"

(From 'The Progressive Aspect')

Social review comments

Review related links

• Send comments to Squonk19
• Report this review (#3208870)
• Buy THE MIGHTY RA music online with PA partners
• Show all THE MIGHTY RA MP3/Stream
• Go to THE MIGHTY RA page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Now In A Minute page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for THE MIGHTY RA related discussions