BIG CITY AWAKES

I found this album on Bandcamp and bought a download. There is a lot of instrumental or largely instrumental prog/jazz/fusion around these days, much of which is well played but, unfortunately, not very memorable. What attracted me to this is the sense of melody and the strength of the compositions. In addition it isn't over-produced in the way that too much stuff is today. It is nice to be able to hear each instrument clearly, rather than through layer upon layer of synthesised keyboards.

Parts of it have similar appeal to Spyro-gyra or some of Larry Carlton's late 70's-early 80's albums. Though it is melodic, it certainly isn't anodyne. Kraan also comes to mind. A good four star effort.

Good to finally spend sometime with this one. I remember spinning it late in 2017 and being impressed with the sound quality and depth of sound, very rich sounding for a modern album. A five piece from Spain with the usual instruments plus synths, flute and sax. Typically the sax, flute, guitar or keyboards of some sort solo over the bass, drums and more. We get five guest vocalists all singing late on the closer both male and female. Those are the only vocals on here.

I really like that title track which opens the album, especially the way the song "slowly awakes" with plenty of atmosphere. The city is awake after 2 1/2 minutes. A nice heavy sound here. I like the way they use the flute and synths on this one. Guitar at 4 1/2 minutes then sax a minute later. This is a top four track for me along with "On The Raw" the band's name. Piano only to start brings Kevin Moore to mind but guitar, drums and bass join in quickly. Some moving guitar after 2 minutes with lots of depth. Synths, sax and guitar will solo after this, even some brief organ.

How about "Dreams In A Box" which opens with piano as drums and bass join in and some clapping I think. Sax is next as it builds with repetitive beats. Synths too. Guitar starts to soar 3 minutes in, so uplifting! Then back to that earlier sound after 4 minutes. Nice. Last top four is "Everything Will Come" and this might be my favourite, at least the way it starts. Again it's moving for me for whatever reason. This is warm and melodic with piano over top early on. So good. Picked guitar joins in then flute. It's all so good, thanks guys! It then brightens and perks up. Synths will lead then sax. Back to that warm sound with picked guitar then flute 5 minutes in. Some nasty keyboards come out of nowhere and a heavy sound. Where did these guys come from? Oh yeah Spain. Drums are great here as the songs ends in a powerful way.

Special mention to "Two Steps From Glory" and "Day 49". A very solid album that I highly recommend.