Asia

"Phoenix"

Label: Frontiers

Asia is back with their new album “Phoenix”. With “Phoenix” they have proven once again that the years on their music are untouched…forever timeless! It is great to hear bands like these guys that play their music without having changed so much throughout their 20 years of musical existence. With the original line-up with Greg Downes on keyboards, Steve Howe on guitar, Carl Palmer on drums and percussion and of course John Wetton on with leading vocals and bass. Also, this album is produced from all four members and co-producer and engineer is Steve Rispin.

For starters the first song “Never Again” is in the same caliber as their old song “Heat of the Moment”. The foundation of that song is the guitar riff and Howe plays almost the exact same thing. Its a really good song and my favorite of the album. Plus I don’t think that any Asia fan would mind that it’s similar to their old-time classic hit! I would say that “Never Again” is an energetic song full of soothing melodies and tight harmonies. The rest of the songs on the album are more mellow and slow but with a positive outlook of personal relationships within their lyrics. As far as “Sleeping Giant/No Way Back/Reprise” and “Parallel Worlds/Vortex/Deya”, they comprise of rich harmonies and diverse melodies that seem some what theatrical. Thumbs up!

Take your time to listen to this album with ease and no distractions. You will be satisfied with the results. The band really tries to bring out their former success into today’s music reality. As the “Phoenix” rises from the ashes, so is Asia.