PHOENIX

Yes, believe it or not the original line up is back after more than 20 years. And honestly, the sound is the same too. Almost as good as their debut in 1982 and quite better than the second album. If you liked the original Asia you´ll love this CD. If you hated the group, than Phoenix is not the one which is gonn change your mind.

It was hard to rate this album since this is much more an AOR work than a prog affair. Still, given the band members background and skill, it is not your average pop rock record. They´re very good on everything they do and there are some strong prog influences on various tracks (More than many of their earlier releases). The songs are all very well done, with no fillers. John Wetton is singing better than ever. Steve Howe´s guitar playing is, however, what makes this album special: hhe may be quite subtle and does not do any flashy solos here, but, boy, does he know how to add great licks and sounds! His phrasing is deep, different and melodic, giveing the songs a depth they wouldn´t have with anyone else. Howe´s guitar give the group a prog edge that was missing even from much of their early stuff. (listen to the second, instrumental passage of Parallel Worlds and see it for yourselves) Production is also superb. For Asia´s fans this is a dream come true: they sound fresh and inspired as their heydey during the early 80´s.

Conclusion: as an AOR-pop-prog-hard rock CD this is a five star album. But in a site like PA I cannot rate it over 3,5 stars: good, very good, but not really essential from the progressive point of view.. Fans of the original Asia, rejoyce!