I have to plead guilty: I only discovered ECSTATIC VISION last spring, while they were supporting BONGZILLA here in Italy and got struck by their mesmerizing and amazing live performance, so much that I had to get a grip on their first LP "Sonic Praise", come out in 2015, surprising both for the sound distance from usual Relapse Records releases and for clearly stating that it's still possible to play psychedelic rock without sounding like a tribute band imitation.

In the short two years' gap separating this new record from their sophomore, something surely happened: beside becoming a quartet, with Kevin Nickles and his sax joining full time after having toured live for SONIC PRAISE, and touring with YOB, UNCLE ACID & THE DEADBITS and the likes, the Philadelphia band appears to have steered toward a much more bastard sound, while showing a tougher grip on their jam. "Raw Rock Fury" is what your read on the cover and what you get by listening to that, like a disclaimer before the record starts to play: wild krautrock rhythms, primal and dirty Stooges rage, Hawkwind space psychedelia, kept trapped in the 35mins record, unleash over 8 tracks (4 if you leave out the 16secs intro and consider that two of them were split into 2 and 3 parts respectively and they play seamlessly), leaving the listener fulfilled and satisfied.

It's no use trying to resist the invite to their technicolor cavalcade into space, you'll eventually find yourself lift away hypnotized by their sound, although you'll never get stranded: the Philly quartet holds firmly and steady the reins of their jam, much more in control of their sound than they were on Sonic Praise, where their sound seemed more to be in control of them. This seamless monolith starts off with the irresistible groove of "You Got It or You Don't", kept grounded by insane sax runs and dirty roaring vocals: in the end you'll think "Yes, they got it and use it wonderfully". "The Electric Step" is a motorik crescendo, pushing to a hazy ascension but getting you back in pt2 thanks to Doug's harsh voice, ending with a prime blending of sax and distorted guitar.

With "Keep It Loose" they regroup and avoid losing the grip, using filthy vocals to rebuild  momentum for sending you in their last lysergic voyage 3 parts "Twinkling Eye", which will get you on an out-of-body experience with echoed vocals and 70's keyboards. With "Raw Rock Fury" you'll find yourself unable to resist the urge to follow ECSTATIC VISION rhythm with your body or to wildly headbang into the psychedelic vortex they were able to wisely create, finally in control of their fairy creatures. Several listenings will follow and trust me, do yourself a favor and go see these guys live if you get the chance and let them lead you in their realm, they know what they're doing and won't let go of you.