ASTRA

Geoff Downes's keyboards are at their best here!! What a wonderful set of miscellaneous keyboards parts: modern, very varied and addictive. The new guitarist is less good than Steve Howe, but he does a good job, although his sound lacks of depth and colour. Wetton's insufficient bass definitely does't support Meyer's guitar here and that's why the rythmic section is a bit bland, although rather hard rock. But Wetton's lead vocals are excellent, probably at their best too. There are also great backing vocals to enhance the songs. The drums are OK but could be more elaborated. This record is definitely keyboards and vocals oriented: just listen to those very accessible elements and it should be sufficient to appreciate it.