Although he had achieved some success as a member of the instrumental jazz-based Portico Quartet, Mulvey's subsequent success as a solo singer/songwriter caught many by surprise, helped along by an unexpected Mercury Prize nomination for his debut album First Mind. In the process, becoming a very rare recipient of two nominations for two completely different acts (Portico Quartet having been nominated for their Knee Deep in the North Sea album of 2008). Furthermore, Mulvey didn't sing with his previous band, nor did he play guitar, instead concentrating on the percussive Hang instrument.

Mulvey's interest in music of all shades is apparent when you learn about his background that also includes a music education stint in Havana as a youngster, a degree in ethno-musicology in London, and spells as part of the socially and politically conscious musical collective One Taste; whose other alumni have included Jamie Woon and Kate Tempest. Unsurprisingly, Mulvey deeply cares for a better planet: "The world seems so lacking in respect for the true value of life, for the planet, and for social justice. But seeds of hope are everywhere," he has said in talking about some of the themes behind this, his second album. And with a new baby child in his life, the value of life on a personal level, becomes all the greater. So Wake Up Now is about mapping out paths and journeys, not just for Mulvey as a new father, but by extension, a heightened responsibility towards the wider world in achieving respect and justice for all. Like his debut album, the music within is full of expressive rhythms that utilise West-African inspirations, alongside his elegant guitar playing, odd flourishes of electronica, and backing vocals a-plenty. It's exemplified by 'Myela', which begins with light and spangly percussion, alongside moody synth and electronic drums, Mulvey details just a few human examples of those caught up in the global refugee crisis, whilst wishing he could do more, before the song segues into a call for salvation, and the splendid combo of African-funk and electronic bleeps and whirs: "Oh, help me in my hopelessness, and free me from the cage of civilization / Save me from my selfishness, and my indifference to my neighbour".

Mulvey's new found plain speaking and bold lyricism is very different from the metaphor strewn debut. Also musically he's opened up considerably. For the first time since his Portico days he's working collaboratively, including with Dean Brodrick, Federico Bruno, drummer Dan See, bassist Nick Pini, and a trio of backing singers that feature Mulvey's wife and, who appear on most of the tracks. A couple of days spent working with Brian Eno also inspired him and is, according to Mulvey, who helped implant this idea of fostering community around music. As did Ethan Johns, the producer here, who encouraged him to continue to work with these people, and take a less-than-perfect approach to recording.

Recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios, the band played together in a circle, and worked the music into something usable. These recordings were then passed on to Dan Carey (responsible for Kate Tempest's two albums, as well as Bat For Lashes’ The Haunted Man), who worked some additional production and electronics into the final sound.

The result is an album full of vitality and variety, driven largely by the twin themes of love and neighbourly respect, and informed by what it means to be alive, as on the lead track 'Unconditional'; full of simple sentiments and aided by a joyful and swelling rhythmic musicality that incorporates African sounds, pulsing electronics, and a trumpet motif. This template is dotted throughout the album; on the fluid grooves of 'Transform Your Game (We Remain)' in which Mulvey relays advice given to him: “You will have it all when you find greatness in a peace that you do not claim”, and the equally philosophical 'Mountain to Move', which is driven by lively rhythmic ukulele, before multiple percussion and bass propel into some kind of tribal workout, as Mulvey contemplates greed and money getting in the way of much greater things: "Oh, I don't want to see us lose any more time / This moment is a mountain to move, so move it inside / Wake up now".

The pace and the mood varies subtly throughout, via songs such as the finger picked and slow groove of 'Imogen', and the gentle progression, and mournful string-infused 'We Are Never Apart', written in response to the Dakota oil pipeline controversy, whilst referencing the Government's plans to start fracking here in the UK. Then there's the semi-stripped back, but positively uplifting 'Remembering', all about his father when Mulvey was a young boy. 'When the Body is Gone' is an electronic-infused dreamy soundscape of Air-like qualities, whilst closer 'Infinite Trees' harks back to his Portico days via classical guitar, eerie electronics and backing vocals, and a little bit of the Hang.

Very spiritual at heart, Nick Mulvey manages to steer the right side of righteousness on Wake Up Now, despite its title. After all, he's imploring himself to a greater good via his own perceived individualistic responsibilities. Unlike so much of the wet and dreary acoustic soul that infects the marketplace, the fact that this was made at a very important time of his life (the birth of his first child) combined with the passionate musicality and honest intellect of Mulvey, has resulted in an earthy work that is at once celebratory, and yet full of forewarning.

Jeff Hemmings

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