by Matman
30 years ago, the first ASIA album hit the world and for many music fans (including myself) introduced a commercial sound with beautiful vocals and musicianship that was and still remains second to none!
Now we find ourselves in 2012 (get it) and ASIA's third release since their reunion a few years back, entitled 'XXX' or 30! After all these years, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer, Geoff Downes and John Wetton can deliver the goods.
The CD begins with 'Tomorrow The World', which is not the traditional ASIA first track. It starts off slow, painting a musical picture and then it sneaks up and gets you. 'Bury Me In Willow' is next and is the song I seem to gravitate the most to. It has a nice feel and like the first single 'Face On The Bridge' represents where ASIA is now musically.
Other songs like 'Judas', 'Al Gatto Nero' and 'Ghost Of A Chance' show ASIA moving a bit away from their traditional sound and after a few listens, you begin to hear the grandeur and epic scope of the music. One of their most progressive and challenging releases to date!
And...the disc is complete with yet another beautiful Roger Dean cover!
Going into this disc, please don't make the mistake I did and compare it to ASIA, ALPHA or ASTRA! If you do that you will not enjoy what the band has to offer. It took a few listens for me to hear what the band is doing and what they're doing is making great music for anyone who wants to hear it!
Matman Rating: 5 out of 5 new classics
To find out more about ASIA and to catch them live on tour please go to www.originalasia.com .
30 years ago, the first ASIA album hit the world and for many music fans (including myself) introduced a commercial sound with beautiful vocals and musicianship that was and still remains second to none!
Now we find ourselves in 2012 (get it) and ASIA's third release since their reunion a few years back, entitled 'XXX' or 30! After all these years, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer, Geoff Downes and John Wetton can deliver the goods.
The CD begins with 'Tomorrow The World', which is not the traditional ASIA first track. It starts off slow, painting a musical picture and then it sneaks up and gets you. 'Bury Me In Willow' is next and is the song I seem to gravitate the most to. It has a nice feel and like the first single 'Face On The Bridge' represents where ASIA is now musically.
Other songs like 'Judas', 'Al Gatto Nero' and 'Ghost Of A Chance' show ASIA moving a bit away from their traditional sound and after a few listens, you begin to hear the grandeur and epic scope of the music. One of their most progressive and challenging releases to date!
And...the disc is complete with yet another beautiful Roger Dean cover!
Going into this disc, please don't make the mistake I did and compare it to ASIA, ALPHA or ASTRA! If you do that you will not enjoy what the band has to offer. It took a few listens for me to hear what the band is doing and what they're doing is making great music for anyone who wants to hear it!
Matman Rating: 5 out of 5 new classics
To find out more about ASIA and to catch them live on tour please go to www.originalasia.com .
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