PHOENIX

I consider myself a really big fan of the original ASIA albums and the band's early approach ... so I was looking forward to this new album with the hope that the band could re-capture some of that big triumphant sound.

Granted, I didn't expect a masterpiece -- but I also didn't expect a collection of songs that would seem so flaccid. Aside from 4 or 5 top-quality tracks (out of 12) and Steve Howe's signature sound accompanying all the tunes, much of this album is rather disappointing from a Rock standpoint, let alone a Prog standpoint.

If you are familiar with the band's early work-- then just imagine an album with a bunch of songs similar in style to The Last to Know or the ballady tracks from the Then and Now album. If you've listened to John Wetton's Arkangel solo album-- you'll probably have an even better idea of what to expect. Of course, to be fair, there ARE a couple tracks that'll remind you that this IS still the good ol' Asia you were looking for.

But what happened to the energy of stuff like Sole Survivor and Wildest Dreams ?? Heck, if you're gonna do a bunch of slower material, at least give us some dramatic build-up like you did in The Smile has Left Your Eyes or My Own Time.

I really want to like this album. Unfortunately, I genuinely only enjoy maybe half of the songs... and essentially skip the rest. Oh well. On the bright side: I can squeeze a pretty good 25-minute mini-album out of it.

* * * * songs: Never Again ... Wish I'd Known All Along ... Parallel Worlds/Vortex/Deya ... An Extraordinary Life.

2 stars on the Prog-ometer

3 stars on the Personal Taste Meter