AURORA (EP)

"Aurora" is essentially an EP of outtakes from Asia's first two albums, plus a track from their third. Released (in Japan only) in 1986 when the band appeared to have run its course, it opens with "Too late" from the "Astra" album. It is by no means the best track from that album, but its commercial orientation led to it being selected as a promo single. Think of it as "Don't cry, part 2" and you've pretty much nailed it.

"Ride easy" was the b-side of the single "Heat of the moment" from the first Asia album. It has all the right ingredients for an Asia track, but is rather weak compositionally.

"Daylight" was the b-side of the "Don't cry" single, also appearing on the cassette version of "Alpha" and later unlisted on some releases of the CD versions of that album. It's pretty weak in Asia terms, and rather labours the band's formula.

"Lying to yourself" has a real 60's feel. It's a mid-paced pop ballad which sounds very "Hollies" save for a brief 80's instrumental. The track first appeared as the b-side of the sublime "The smile has left your eyes" single from the "Alpha" album. It was probably best left off that album, but is something of a hidden gem.

John Wetton had a hand in writing all four tracks here, with Steve Howe and Geoff Downes contributing to two a-piece, and Carl Palmer to one.

This vinyl only EP now has considerable rarity value. All the tracks have however subsequently been made available elsewhere, most notably on the "Anthologia" collection which gathers together all the band's early material in a 2 CD package. Thus, this one is strictly for devoted fans only.

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