Asia
Phoenix Frontiers Records

by Edwin van Hoof
Staff Writer

Comments: Downes announced a new collaboration with the original line up of the eighties, and instantly the music scene was psyched. Loaded with the questions whether or not the band would be able to revive the magic or bring in the ‘bite’ and fire of the old days taken in consideration the age of the members. .

All have been around the block and all of them are experienced like no one else in the scene. It is staggering to see the band being able to sound vivid and alive without ever crossing over to cliché terrain. Asia’s Phoenix is a breathtaking masterpiece packed with rock solid classics in the line of the classic debut more than Alpha or Astra, instantly warping us back to their heydays in the mid eighties. Asia being the first supergroup known to rock music was a mark their wore well. Exactly that musical luggage and background combined with their current experiences of their long lasting careers makes Asia a distinctive and sophisticated rock act that stands out in music still.

From the opening classic Asia hammer “Never Again” onwards, “Phoenix” reveals more beauty and manages to bloom with every spin. Following “Nothing’s Forever” also showcases the lyrical growth brought together in a context of theatrical driven rock much like on the Payne fronted album Awake. A lyrical exploration of life that finds an encore in the hymnic ode to life itself on “An Extraordinary Life”, written and composed by John Wetton after his bypass surgery. The song has a uplifting feel good vibe telling us to seize the moment which sparkles with heartfelt sunshine.

Wetton’s warm voice is one of the binding assets on this new release, shining on the terrific heartfelt power ballad “I Will remember You”, one of the finest tunes of the decade. A sound defined more dramatically by the ultimate interaction between all four giants. Howe’s intimate picking, avant-garde style riffing and excellent guitar solos in combination with the swirling pompous keyboards provided by Geoffrey Downes are the golden outline for the Asia sound. Where the powerful drumming of Carl Palmer and Wetton’s distinguished bass sound provide a solid foundation for the band to build the larger than life sound.

Key tracks featuring these sophisticated ingredients is the three fold “Sleeping Giant / No Way Back / Reprise” that has fans of the genre drawling. An epical three play that finds it’s better half on the even more remarkable “Parallel Worlds / Vortex / Déyà”. An epic outburst of English progressive dinosaur rock combined with the immaculate Asia sound in an almost theatrical opera setting. Swirling keys that paste every gap between guitar, bass and drums pomping it up to the max.

Besides this showcase of skills and muscles, the band grabs you with the guitar driven semi ballad “Heroine” and the absolutely gorgeous “Orchard of Mines” with it’s sentimental guitar melody. “Alibis” is known by fans as “Jodie” from the old recording sessions os the early eighties and exposes Downes’ Buggles background with ear mingling melodies in a poppy rock setting, where “Shadow of a Doubt” is touching the soul again with powerful choruses and choirs over some excellent drum shuffles of Palmer. Weak tracks aren’t to be found or it has to be the rather safe Asia tune “Over and Over” which stays closer to base than any of the here for mentioned tracks.

The album also comes in a deluxe slip case edition featuring an acoustic re-recording of Wetton’s magnificent celebration of life “An Extraordinary Life” plus a multi media section worthwhile.

Phoenix bears all signs of greatness and will please fans of the old days where it will easily win the hearts of music lovers as well. The continuing story has been added a chapter much to the appreciation of fans all over the globe. With Phoenix Asia really rises from its ashes. Yet another contender for the album of the year lists!

Track Listing:
Never Again
Nothing's Forever
Heroine
Sleeping Giant / No Way Back / Reprise
Alibis
I Will Remember You
Shadow of a Doubt
Parallel Worlds / Vortex / Deya
Wish I'd Known All Along
Orchard of Mines
Over and Over
An Extraordinary Life

Hardrock Haven rating: 9.4/10