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And so the wait is over, the reformed original Asia line-up have recorded
the follow-up to 'Alpha'. It may not be what the world’s been waiting for,
but this is a supergroup in all senses of the word.
The album opens with 'Never Again', and it’s like hearing a track from that
very first album. This is an uptempo number, full-on melodies and lush
keyboards and John Wetton is on fine form in the vocal department.
'Nothing’s Forever'
opens acapello before the parp of Downes keyboard. This
is a moody, atmospheric song with some great melodies and harmonies.
'Heroine'
is up next, a powerful ballad full of pomp and circumstance,
featuring some beautiful guitarwork from Mr Howe and a wonderful soaring
chorus.
The triumvirate of 'Sleeping Giant',
'No Way Back'
and 'Reprise'
is
spellbinding with some wonderful prog moments, lush keyboards and
singalong chorus.
Next up is 'Alibis', the poppiest tune on the album and featuring the word
procrastination in the chorus, only Asia could get away with that one.
'I
Will Remember You' is another ballad, a fine emotive Wetton vocal
performance and soaring chorus.
'Shadow Of A Doubt'
picks up the pace again but has a similiar melody to 'I
Will Remember You'
until the chorus where it just takes off.
Another trio of tunes in the form of 'Parallel Worlds',
'Vortex'
and 'Deya'
follows on, 8 minutes near operatic genius a wonderful medley, soaring
vocals and killer harmonies.
'Wish I’d Known All Along'
brings
Wetton to the fore on this song, a funky, up-tempo tune.
Following on is 'Orchard Of Mines', an atmospheric and moody piece with some
wonderful keyboard parts from Downes.
'Over And Over'
is next and possibly the weakest song on the album but is
still
a wonderful melodic tune.
Which brings us to the final track 'An Extraordinary Life'
based on Mr Wetton’s recent health problems. Starting off a little
subdued, this song builds leading into an almost anthemic chorus. An
uplifting piece of music and a great way to finish the album.
The muscianship on here is top quality and there are some outstanding
moments. If this album had been released in the 80’s it would have sold
shedloads, as it is it will go down in history as one of Asia’s best
efforts like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
*Review by Brassy |
