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: JOE BONAMASSA - DRIVING TOWARDS THE DAYLIGHT

Guitar god Joe Bonamassa has reaped his roots for his 13 studio album. Harking back to the glory days of early ‘60s rock n' blues, producer Kevin Shirley has assembled a unique group of musos including Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford. From inspired self-penned originals 'Dislocated Boy', 'Heavenly Soul', 'Somewhere Trouble Don't Go' and the road-tested title track 'Driving Towards The Daylight' to rugged-rock cover versions of Howlin Wolfs' 'Who's Been Talking', Robert Johnsons' 'Stones In My Passway', Tom Waits’ 'New Coat Of Paint', Bill Withers’ 'Lonely Town Lonely Street', Bernie Marsden’s 'A Place In My Heart', Willie Dixon’s 'I Got All You Need' and the Jimmy Barnes classic 'Too Much Ain’t Enough Love' it's a balanced affair highlighting the guitarist's signature style. Another gutsy performance from the blues rock titan - Lucky 13!

Mark Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: GREAT WHITE - ELATION

Great White's pure passion for music hasn’t faltered despite 'personnel' trials and tribulations. The band's 12th studio album 'Elation' (featuring original members guitarist Mark Kendall, keyboardist/guitarist Michael Lardie, drummer Audie Desbrow plus ‘fresh fins’ bassist Scott Snyder and XYZ voxman Terry Ilous) showcases a rock n' roll team completely re-charged and re-focused. From the rollicking bluesy rock of '(I've Got) Something For You', and the raucous sassy shuffle of 'Promise Land', to soulful radio-friendly melodic milestones 'Hard To Say Goodbye', 'Love Is Enough' and 'Heart Of A Man' the group's trademark hard rock sound is most definitely back-on-track. Terry Ilous' characteristic vocal delivery is perfect and has proved a 'positive' inspiration. A back-to-basics blues rock album from a band in a state of euphoria!

Mark Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: EUROPE - BAG OF BONES

Swedish hard rockers Europe have gone back to blues basics for their 9th studio album 'Bag Of Bones' with the help of producer Kevin Shirley who has worked his magic yet again. Opener 'Riches To Rags' sets the standard whilst lead cut 'Not Supposed To Sing The Blues' (an addictive Led Zep workout) burns the house down. Inspiring compositions such as the title track (which features Joe Bonamassa on slide guitar) and the Deep Purple-esque 'My Woman My Friend' add depth. Elsewhere the straight-forward hard rock of 'Firebox' and the stripped-down acoustic tingle of ‘Drink And A Smile' are stadium-filling hallmarks.The shining twin stars of singer Joey Tempest and guitarist John Norum stand-out trumps here providing perfect interplay. Europe were born to sing the blues... contender for rock album of the year!

Mark Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: RICHIE KOTZEN - 24 HOURS

Guitar virtuoso Richie Kotzen erupted onto the rock scene in 1989. His 'signature' custom fender telecaster style riffing has seen him establish his mark with hard rock heavyweights such as Poison and Mr. Big. '24 Hours' is his strongest and most self-assured solo work to date. From the exciting soul fest of the title track to the infectious pop laden 'OMG What's Your Name?' it's an absorbing blend of musical influences. Outstanding gems such as the bitter-sweet 'Get It On' and 'Bad Situation' are truly emotive, while majestic blues rocker 'Love Is Blind' (featuring Jerry Cantrell on backing vocals) and the heart-felt 'Stop Me' (with Richie's daughter August on electric piano) augment an 'inspired' collection of songs. Richie Kotzen is without a doubt one of the most 'underrated' guitarist/singer/songwriters of his generation - completely ‘Unique’!

Mark Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine

DVD REVIEW: BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION - LIVE OVER EUROPE

Black Country Communion have carved a reputable niche for themselves as real rock royalty. Filmed in HD over three nights to packed-out venues in the German cities of Hamburg, Munich and Berlin in the Summer of 2011, 'Live Over Europe' is a credible in-concert DVD package. The dramatic industrial title sequence sets the scene for the 18 Kevin Shirley sonically sharpened songs on offer. From the charismatic Glenn Hughes led assault of ‘Black Country’, the epically driven 'Save Me', to the mind-melting 'Cold' and a blood bursting cover of Deep Purple's 'Burn', this is a debut live showcase of simmering proportions. Add to this 'explosive' performances of Joe Bonamassa standards 'Song Of Yesterday', ‘The Ballad Of John Henry’ (plus a neat 'making of' documentary) and you have an enduring time capsule to the power of 'pure' classic rock!

Mark Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: BETH HART + JOE BONAMASSA - DON'T EXPLAIN

L.A. singer Beth Hart is a true vocal gem. ‘Teaming-Up’ with Blues/Rock 'Guitar God' Joe Bonamassa on 'Don't Explain' (an intimate collection of 'heartfelt' hand-picked classic soul covers) showcases her rising to the occasion, with 'expressive' raspy soulful vocals in full frontal view. Produced by Black Country Communion guru Kevin Shirley and backed up by J.B.'s 'Ballad Of John Henry' Number 1 line-up its' a 'simmering' marriage. Highlights include corking renditions of Ray Charles' 'Sinner's Prayer', Bill Withers' 'For My Friend' and Etta James' 'I'd Rather Go Blind' and 'Something's Got A Hold On Me' where the Hart/Bonamassa partnership blossoms. From the 'Heart' though it's the commercial appeal of Gil Scott-Heron's 'I'll Take Care Of You' and Delaney & Bonnie's 'Well Well that will take this unique 'Dream Team' to the mainstream of Rock!

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: BLACKMORE'S NIGHT - SECRET VOYAGE

Legendary lead guitarist Ritchie Blackmore fires-up his fascination with the traditional dark arts of Renaissance rock. Together with partner, singer Candice Night and their band of merry minstrels Blackmore's Night have crafted yet another eclectic brew. From the grandiose opening of 'God Save The Keg' and the epic 'Locked Within The Crystal Ball', to the hauntingly enchanting 'Sister Gypsy' and 'Far Far Away', 'Secret Voyage' is an exquisite affair. Full of rich instrumentation, it's a magical journey of atmosphere, imagination, and imagery. Highlights include a cover of Rainbow’s 'Rainbow Eyes' and a completely off-the-cuff rendition of Elvis' 'Can't Help Falling In Love'. When all's said and done, it's a trip worth taking - Ritchie’s playing is exemplary, especially when he plugs himself in and delivers some 'unexpected' guitar bursts!

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