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RAWAYS
Raw Takes EP

Self-released (2025)
Rating: 8/10

Over the last couple of years I’ve been charmed by a rather delightful Italian rock project under the moniker of Elle Tea, and this intriguing band is the creation of Elle Tea mainman Leonardo Trevisan.

Elle Tea restored my faith in today’s hard rock scene by creating a rather unusual blend of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal and, dare I say it, new wave, so imagine my joy then when Leo contacted me to inform me about another project he’s involved in, named Raways. This new five-man outfit presents to us a delightful EP recorded live in the rehearsal room. Leo is joined by guitarists Cosimo Trevisan and Davide Martini, bassist Mirko De Angelis and drummer Francesco Cocchetti.

Raways serve up four tidy tracks, all of which boast strong early 80s NWOBHM vibes, particularly opener ‘Constrictor’ which, in spite of its apparent jolly beat, also has that starkness one would expect from a long forgotten British band from 1982. If you’re familiar with Elle Tea then you’ll know Leonardo Trevisan for his rather unusual vocal tone, a unique warble of sorts that wouldn’t seem out of place on an old punk or new wave record. ‘Constrictor’ has a reckless, carefree rhythm showcasing the energy and camaraderie of the clan.

Flashes of early, punkier Iron Maiden seep from the galloping threads of ‘Digital Priest’, where the drums are brash and loose and the bass as equally raw; perfect ingredients then for an organic composition. Another key ingredient to the band’s appeal are the unorthodox drum patterns and sly, conniving shifts of rhythms, particularly on ‘Fate Of Man’ which on occasion could easily pass up as some kind of progressive metal effort laced with a thrashier emulsion.

Flitting between those NWOBHM and, say, early-to-mid 80s Swedish steel, Raw Takes is just a snippet of what is to come. Exhibiting poise and potency in equal measure, ‘Children Of The Afterworld’ sums up the engaging unorthodox styles embedded with the structures as Raways gives you that sense that any direction is possible.

It’s quite uncommon nowadays to find a band with a unique tint, but Raways have that special something that could enable them to reach a cult status level. It just depends on whether they, and Leonardo’s other project, get the backing they so richly deserve.

Neil Arnold

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