ALBUM REVIEW: ASIA - XXX

Thirty years after their classic self-titled debut ascended to the top of the U.S. charts the 'original' line-up of Asia are again 'riding the dragon's wings'. Firmly rooted in pop-rock territory, with infectious hook-lines, 'XXX' re-captures the dynamic energy of that first 'iconic' release. 'Face On The Bridge' with its catchy chorus, the haunting 'Bury Me In Willow', and the emotive 'Ghost Of A Chance' prove that the Wetton/Downes songwriting partnership is stronger than ever. 'Tomorrow The World' and 'Al Gatto Nero' have those clever lyrical turns that vocalist/bassist John Wetton is renowned for while guitarist Steve Howe makes his mark on 'Judas' and 'No Religion' both featuring neat musical interplay with keysman Geoff Downes and drummer Carl Palmer. Asia have delivered their best recorded work since '82 when 'the disco hotspots held no charm for you'!

Mark Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: JOHN WETTON - RAISED IN CAPTIVITY

British singer/songwriter John Wetton has treaded the boards with rock royalty and as such his sixth solo album is the latest gem in a crowning list of musical works. Written and recorded with former Yes multi-instrumentist Billy Sherwood, 'Raised In Captivity', features collaborations from numerous guest musicians: Robert Fripp (King Crimson), Eddie Jobson (UK), Mick Box (Uriah Heep), Steve Hackett (Genesis), Steve Morse (Deep Purple) and Asia partner Geoff Downes. Rocking album opener 'Lost For Words' hits the ground running while the title track and 'The Human Condition' both capture the angst and uncertainty that comes with modern life. Particularly poignant is the duet with Anneke Van Giersbergen on closer 'Mighty Rivers'. An impressive collection that truly sums up the elements that have shaped Wetton’s career!

Mark Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: YES - FLY FROM HERE

Virtuoso prog-rock legends YES are back with their first studio offering in 10 years. Produced by former frontman Trevor Horn, 'Fly From Here' has all the hallmarks of a classic YES album despite the absence of original vocalist Jon Anderson. Featuring a 're-invigorated' re-union of the Squire/Howe/White/Downes 'Drama' line-up (with the addition of new singer Benoit David) the group's 21st opus is powerful proof that the band continue to be progressive pioneers. The epic 23 minute long title track was initially written by Bugglers Downes and Horn prior to joining the group in the 1980. After YES disbanded in 1981, the duo recorded a second demo, and both recordings became the foundation of new tracks 'We Can Fly' and 'Sad Night At The Airfield'. Sporting lavish Roger Dean cover art the album harks back to the group's halcyon 70s glory days!

Mark Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: ASIA - OMEGA

Following on from 2008's celebrated comeback 'reunion' album 'Phoenix', legendary British Progressive Rock supergroup Asia have again served up another stunning collection of concise mature rock classics. From the rocky, strident opening entrées of 'Finger On The Trigger', 'Through My Veins' and 'Holy War', to the clever wistful John Wetton inspired Beatle-esque balladry of 'End Of The World' and 'Don't Wanna Lose You Now', 'Omega' is crammed with exquisitely performed, accessible, melodic, anthemic songs luxuriating in a bed of lush orchestration, with lyrics that strike a sympathetic chord in even the most cynical of hearts. Again spawning trademark cover art specifically designed by acclaimed artist Roger Dean 'Omega' marks a new renaissance and joie-de-vivre for the veteran Asia - in the year of the tiger too!

Mark Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: ASIA - PHOENIX

When the four original members of rock supergroup Asia (Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton) reunited in 2006 (23 years after all four had last played together) the much publicised reunion resulted in two highly successful world tours in 2006 and 2007, an acclaimed double live LP and DVD, and an overwhelming response from fans. ‘Phoenix’, their eagerly anticipated first studio album since 1983 contains an eclectic selection of songs bound by the unique ‘original’ Asia trademark sound. Influenced by the same fusion of talent which so excited the world in 1982 the new record includes retro rockers such as ‘Never Again’ and ‘Nothing’s Forever’, poetic power ballads ‘Heroine’ and ‘I Will Remember You’ and the Wetton ‘inspired’ ‘An Extraordinary Life’. This is Asia.. reborn again from the ashes!

Mark Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine