Raw Material

Raw Material's Second Offering

"Time Is..." marks the second and final album by the English band Raw Material. Released in October 1971 on the Neon label, this album followed their self-titled debut and represents a continuation of their exploration into progressive rock. The album has the catalog number NE 8, a designation under RCA's progressive rock imprint.

Musical Composition

The album features a rich combination of instruments, prominently incorporating saxophone and flute played by Michael Fletcher. His contributions are complemented by Dave Greene's electric and acoustic guitar work, which provides a robust musical foundation. The rhythmic backbone is established by Paul Young on percussion. Vocals and keyboards are handled by Colin Catt, while Michael Fletcher also provides vocals, adding depth to the album's sound.

One of the key features of "Time Is..." is its structure. Two tracks, "Insolent Lady" and "Sun God," are presented as multi-part suites. "Insolent Lady" consists of three segments, while "Sun God" is divided into three distinct sections as well. This approach showcases the band's ambition and their willingness to experiment with song formats, a hallmark of progressive rock during that era.

Production Details

The album was produced by Mickey Clarke, known for his work with various artists in the early 1970s. The engineering was handled by Barry Ainsworth, who ensured that the intricate layers of the band's sound were captured effectively. The design and photography for the album cover were crafted by Keef, contributing to the visual presentation of Raw Material's music.

Release Format

"Time Is..." was released in the format of a vinyl LP, a common format for music releases during the 1970s. The album's length features six tracks, ranging from shorter compositions to longer suites, allowing for a diverse listening experience.