The Heat Goes On

It's like the new state flag for Arizona or something, but I can't resist a Roger Dean cover!

Last week, fans of the First Supergroup of the 80's finally had their wish come true when the original lineup of Asia released their first album in 25 years. A quarter century ago, one of the first bands I ever became a fan of hit backstage drama that dissolved the founding members and led to a revolving door of musicians from all over the world. Once it was past 1990, it seemed these four men, bassist/singer John Wetton, keyboardist Geoff Downes, guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Carl Palmer, would never sit in the same room together at the same time. So it is with some sense of disbelief that I'm writing about the new Asia album, Phoenix. The original four founding members are back together and actually talked to each other long enough to record something.


All of the hallmarks of the original band have returned, the poppy anthems, the quicksilver instrumental breaks, the dramatic vocals-everything as it was. Well, almost everything. These guys are definitely older and a feeling of maturity shades all of the songs. Some of the Rawk intensity has fallen away to a more relaxed feel. And John Wetton's recent heart surgery has given a theme to the album that suits the group well-second life and seize the day.


Asia balances the different sides of their sound with skill. Even with a lessened edge, tunes like the "Never Again" and "Shadow Of A Doubt" hit like the Asia of old with Howe's angular riffs and Wetton's booming voice. "Alibis" updates a song originally started during the band's initial run with Downes and Howe trading licks throughout. Prog gets play on "Sleeping Giant/No Way Back/Reprise" and "Parallel Worlds/Vortex/Deya" where the band's level of musicianship shines. The age factor comes up with more ballads than prior Asia albums such as "Heroine" and "I Will Remember You".


The most memorable song is the album closing "An Extraordinary Life" which comes across like a TV show theme thanks to it's lifting melody and positive lyrics. It's been heavily touted by the band as their best song and while it's not that, it is pretty great.


Although for me Asia stopped after Then & Now in 1990, the band continued eventually with John Payne replacing Wetton as the main singer/songwriter. Payne's years in the band has resulted in two Asias now, one led by Payne and the other with the original lineup. There is only one Asia as far as I'm concerned, Phoenix is a restablishing of a legendary band not just a quick cash in. Phoenix is easily the best album I've heard this year so far.

Asia "An Extraordinary Life"