ALBUM REVIEW: JON ANDERSON - SURVIVAL AND OTHER STORIES

Legendary Yes vocalist Jon Anderson survived a serious health scare in 2008 and upon recovery, found himself out of the band. Undeterred, he set about writing new material and (via the internet) collaborated with a range of musicians on a new set of songs. 'Survival & Other Stories' is uplifting and encompasses a variety of styles. 'Understanding Truth' and 'Effortlessly' both feature sparse acoustic arrangements whilst 'Incoming' and the re-recorded 'Just One Man' (a track originally recorded with Rick Wakeman) are more symphonic, echoing the sound of classic Yes. 'Unbroken Spirit' comes across as a personal statement whilst album closer 'Cloudz', is nothing less than an ambient masterpiece leaving the listener in no doubt that Jon's distinct alto-voice remains intact and as emotive as ever. A must have for all Yes fans!

Christopher Franklin

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: HEADCAT - WALK THE WALK

HeadCat is Lemmy’s rock n’ roll sideline with Stray Cats’ drummer Slim Jim Phantom and Lonesome Spur/Rockats guitarist Danny B Harvey, with Lem dabbling on bass, guitar, vocals and harmonica. The seeds of the project started with an Elvis tribute album in 2000, which instigated the trio’s 2006 debut ‘Fool’s Paradise’. This is another kickass collection of rock n’ roll numbers, two originals (‘American Beat’ and ‘The Eagle Flies On Friday’) and ten covers, that give Lem an outlet for his rockin’ soul which first got stirred and shaken with The Rockin’ Vickers. ‘Walk The Walk…’ may make Motorhead fans chuckle, but true pundits should be interested in where Lemmy’s origins come from. Good old rockin’ toons like Chuck Berry’s ‘Let It Rock’ and Eddie Cochran's ‘Something Else’ have a direct connection to Motorhead’s rep!

Pippa Lang

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: QUEENSRYCHE - DEDICATED TO CHAOS

With their 12th studio album, Queensryche continue to push boundaries and explore new musical territories whilst retaining an 'unmistakeable' musical identity. With its stripped down arrangement, opener 'Get Started' would not have sounded out of place on 'Empire', however, any thoughts that this might be an early 90's retro trip are dispelled the moment track two 'Hot Spot Junkie' kicks in with a modern industrial vibe. The Pink Floyd influenced closer 'Big Noize' is a particular highlight and the perfect counterpoint to heavier cuts such as 'At The Edge'. Kelly Gray's top notch production features Eddie Jackson's intricate bass runs and Scott Rockenfield's drums high in the mix, creating at times a dance-like groove that might come as something of a shock to long-time fans. That said, the band's trademark ‘big rock’ sound remains intact!

Christopher Franklin

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