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ASIA, one of the original supergroups, is back on the road with its original line-up and played at the Carling Academy in Oxford on 12 March 2008. The tour heralds the group's first studio album since 1983.
The tour is in support of their new album "Phoenix" and during the gig, they played two tracks from the new album "Never Again" and "An extraordinary life", two fantastic tracks which if measured by these two tracks alone, the remainder of the album should be superb. It was fantastic to see the group performing to an appreciative audience. Highly recommended.


Rating: 5 out of 5

Now, this was a big surprise. Asia were never, ever on my radar. Being a prog snob, at the time I couldn't digest what Asia were offering on their debut album. It should have been a dream team for me, but it sounded to me like big stadium AOR FM rock. Lots of bluster, but little substance. Since then my view has mellowed, partly due to having enjoyed Wetton and Downes recent "Icon" albums, which may be seen as a blueprint for this reunion album. But "Phoenix" is a triumph. Being back together has obviously triggered the creative juices as the material presented here is first class. There is a beautiful balance here between the melodic pop rock of yore and a more thoughtful, instrumentally challenging sound. Just listen to the "Parallel Worlds/Vortex/Deya" medley, which climaxes in an excellent instrumental section, gradually building up till Carl Palmer produces some astonishing drum rolls. The opening "Never Again" is a typical Wetton powerhouse of a song and on the closing "An Extraordinary Life" Wetton's recent health issues have clearly put everything into perspective for him. But all the songs are given careful thought out and are wonderfully arranged and executed.

The playing throughout is excellent. All concerned are on top form and it's especially good to hear Howe relishing making new studio music with a band again. Wetton's voice has never sounded so good and Palmer works well within the tight constraints of the material, really adding some beautiful embellishments to the arrangements.

Mention must be made about Roger Dean's excellent artwork. The best he has done for many years. The layout is done by brother Martyn and makes for an all round top class package.

For me this album is a joy and a big, big surprise. It works on all levels. That these guys would ever get together again and play live was surprising. That they would make a studio album was even more so. That the resulting album would be this good is nothing short of a miracle!


Rating: 5 out of 5

I've been listening to Phoenix for a couple of weeks. This is a very special album, a bit in the line of Icon previous records, not bad at all, but understandably sounding better with better arrangements on the guitar and drums.

For those who like Asia, Icon, solo John Wetton, this is a good buy.

I would dare to say that Phoenix will probably be also a "good bye" from these fabulous musicians, concerning original albums, and will remain as the second best Asia album.


Rating: 4 out of 5

When I heard the first track on the new Asia album, I thought that I was in for a real treat, and that the band had rediscovered there previous form. However, the rest of the album, with the exception of a couple of tracks is simply too bland with the focus on soft AOR rather than the catchy, melodic rock classics that made Asia the success they were. The musicianship is first class and John Wetton sounds as fresh as ever, but it doesn't grab your attention. Don't get me wrong, the album is not bad, but it could have been so much better with just another track or two of the calibre of the opener.

Rating: 3 out of 5

This is just incredible! It's like the last 26 years had passed in the blink of an eye! This is Asia as it was meant to be, powerful, melodic, majestic & masterful. It has an immediacy about it, with so many great hooks, strong performances from all four of the original members.

Stand outs for me are "Never Again", "Heroine", & the brilliant "Extraordinary Life". I was sceptical when the band reformed to tour in 2006, but on the strength of this, I hope they are back for the long haul, once Mr Howe has his duties completed with the Yes 40th anniversary tour.

Just a fantastic comeback!

Rating: 5 out of 5