The quintet Raw Material, formed in London in 1969, were given another chance to record an LP despite the failure of their eponymous debut album, after signing a record deal with the major label RCA in 1971. The recordings for their second album took place at Command Studios in London under the direction of producer Mickey Clarke and sound engineer Barry Ainsworth. Time Is... was released in October 1971 on RCA’s progressive label RCA Neon, with an extraordinary cover designed by the legendary British photographer and designer Keef (Keith MacMillan). With the help of a second guitarist, Cliff Harewood, now a six-piece band, achieved a significant musical evolution.

They played jazz-influenced, at times hard-hitting progressive rock in the style of Van Der Graaf Generator, with the saxophone and flute playing key roles and the raw lead guitar featuring prominently. Although the album was an artistic success and received many positive reviews, it sold virtually nothing. They were given no further opportunities and the band disbanded shortly afterwards. Like their first LP, the original UK pressing of this album is now extremely rare, and both albums have become genuine collector’s items.