Mauro Gentile – Wake up and run
Mauro Gentile’s “Wake Up and Run” is a colorful tribute to the classic period of progressive rock, combining aspects of 1970s prog, early 1980s neo-prog, and a bit of New Wave. The music begins with expressive electric guitar work that recalls classic ’70s prog influences, creating a strong melodic structure. Synth lines soon follow, encouraging parallels to bands like Marillion and Twelfth Night. The synths are well-placed in the arrangement, creating character and atmosphere; however, a little cleaner mix would help them stand out more clearly; there is a touch of muddiness that might be corrected in post-production. That being said, the intention and structure are strong. A strong progressive groove drives the song ahead, sounding nostalgic and modern. The guitar work stands out with excellent playing and a sound that fits perfectly into the genre’s structure. Overall, the work captures the spirit of early neo-prog while maintaining its own personality, bridging prog’s complexity with New Wave’s melodic attraction. With a slight mix adjustment, this music could become even stronger.
