Wetton,
Downes, Howe and Palmer are back.
A dream came true for everyone (me
included) who believed firmly that
Asia always was this original line-up.
Sine qua non. Without underestimating
the great contribution of Payne's
period (Silent Nation is almost a
masterpiece), it was these four founder
members that made Asia synonymous
to an inimitable pomp AOR sound suitably
enriched with prog ornaments and
the indisputable privilege of some
admirable musicianship. Let's
not also forget that their masterpiece
debut has sold over 10 millions copies
worldwide, so apparently they had
the gift to be unique and widely
acceptable at the same time. Nevertheless,
what really makes Asia outstanding
is that their sum is greater than
their parts. "Super Groups" may
come and go, but only a chosen few
can turn their abilities into tangible
proof.
Four men
with varied personalities and influences
managed to produce a gorgeous new
album, the long-expected "Phoenix".
I must warn you though that if you
can't handle with mostly mid-tempo
led albums, you should turn to something
else. Asia, in honour of their reputation,
didn't fall into the trap of
rehashing past trademarks nor playing
it safe. This could have been easily
achieved, by resting on their laurels.
There are definitely songs, which remind
of the glory days (just have a listen
at "Never Again" or "Alibis"),
however they do not confine themselves
to a certain genre. On the contrary,
AOR, pomp, progressive and classic
rock are blending together resulting
in a mature, authentic, intellectual,
mostly minimal and partially soundtrack-like
album made to be addressed towards
thinking listeners.
I've listened
to "Phoenix" many
times and one thing is certain: it
needs time to unfold its secrets
and as we all know suchlike albums
always repay you at the end, one
way or another. It is refreshing
and inspiring like spring nightfall,
and as it will call you in for some
soul-searching, you'll
find yourself traveling the bright
side of the road. Lyrics are another
strong point. Emotional and based
on Wetton's painful yet redemptive
experiences, they support the final
result in the best possible way.
To sum up, I'm aware that for
many who think proper to judge music
by its heaviness instead of quality
or uniqueness, they will never accept
the truth of "Phoenix".
But music isn't a grocery and
one of art's purposes is to capture
beauty in any of its forms, because
beauty affects vitally our imagination,
judgment and emotions. Asia of today
simply made it happen. |
