ASIA - review added 14th June 2012
Album Review: XXX (2012)
For fans of: Prog Rock
Yep, it's now thirty years since Asia's debut album made it big. So for those who are worried this new LP may be a touch pornographic, fear not... the XXX means something perfectly clean.
The newby also marks the third release since the reunion of the original lineup of Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton. The last album "Omega" was excellent, and the initial buzz suggested this one was even better. You know what? The buzz was on the money.
This is right up there with the finest albums the band has ever released. The musicianship is divine. The singing is atmospheric and characterfully pitch perfect. The individual tracks are phenomenal. The album as a whole is breathtaking. Even the artwork harks back to the glorious covers you used to get on vinyl releases.
Favourite moment? It changes every listen, though 'Face On The Bridge' is looking good right this second. Pretty much everything on "XXX" could get on the band's best-of album.
In Summation:
This was a brief review but there was barely anything else to say apart from... Wow. And that's is all.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Tomorrow The World
02. Bury Me In Willow
03. No Religion
04. Faithful
05. I Know How You Feel
06. Face On The Bridge
07. Al Gatto Nero
08. Judas
09. Ghost Of A Chance
Band/Performers:
Geoff Downes – keyboards
Steve Howe – guitars
Carl Palmer – drums
John Wetton – bass, vocals
Other Info:
Produced by Mike Paxman
Label: Frontiers Records
Artist's website(s): Asia | MySpace | Facebook
