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Asia finaly returned with new studio
material in 2004 with SILENT NATION, on the ever-expanding
Insideout label, after a number of tours and some acoustic
gigs in support of the last album, 2001's AURA. In contrast
to the more laid back and cinematic mellow rock of AURA, a
studio-bound creation, SILENT NATION is a more 'band'-oriented
offering with a darker atmosphere and edgier material. First
of all, the packaging is darker- closer to the feel of a Dream
Theater or Arena record, no Roger Dean landscape this time.
Tradition #1 is broken. Second, the title of the album doesn't
start and end with the letter 'A', tradition #2 is broken.
Asia have clearly tried to move
forward, as only a band like Asia can, in securing new images
and new approaches. In contrast to the guest star-heavy last
few albums, SILENT N. has a full 4-man band feel to it, the
line-up being keyboard innovator Geoff Downes, songwriting
partner singer/bassist John Payne, drummer Chris Slade(AC/DC,
The Firm) and guitarist Gutherie Govan(Govan shines throughout).
The same line-up for the AURA tours. Some claim the SILENT
N. harks back to the first album, I say not really- more like
a return to the heavier panoramic 'rock' sound of 1994's 'ARIA',
to be honest. That is no bad thing, John Payne sings with
the same soul and passion as ever, while his lyrics are possibly
the best Asia have probably used. While the music is more
organic and 'group' minded, this release is probably the most
dark and emotionally down album of their career. And the wailing
guitars, impassioned vocals and crafted keyboard work drive
it all home. This isn't your 'Heat Of The Moment' or 'Don't
Cry' Asia. There is also a more guitar emphasis on most of
the tracks. Relatively unknown Gutherie Govan provides enough
guitar personality to maybe not make us forget Steve Howe
from years past, but to grudgingly give respect where it is
clearly due. Live on the S.N. tour he truely proved to be
a classy and more that able guitarist. Chris Slade provides
solid drumming fitting for this style of rock music. Geoff's
synths still slather the material with a coat of modern panoramic
fairy dust, but there's a big helping of organ as well. Here
are the tracks:
WHAT ABOUT LOVE:
The lead off track is your standard
Asia fist-pumper, with the strong harmonies which sound like
a hundred people singing at the same time and a hard rock
bite. Geoff breaks into a Deep Purple-esque organ bit in the
middle section, though it could have been further developed.
LONG WAY FROM HOME:
a fine 80's sounding mid-tempo
rocker which sounds a little like it could have been an outtake
from AURA. Also the single from the album, though the CD single
features short and ineffective radio edits but a nice acoustic
version.
MIDNIGHT:
Geoff Downes steps up to the plate
on this track about the damaged ecology. The middle section
is a bit progressive, almost ELP, with some nice symphonic
keyboards and organ.
BLUE MOON MONDAY:
longest track at seven minutes
or so, and one of Asia's darkest. Here Payne sings about someone
haunted by dreams of a holocaust, afraid to sleep. Dreary
synths and pained guitar go in and out of conscienceness.
A bit depressing for Asia, but musically quite powerful.
SILENT NATION:
the title track is another down-beat
song, inspired by censorship, Howard Stern and the state of
radio. Fine harmony vocals throughout.
GHOST IN THE MIRROR:
after the a few dark tracks, a
faster paced rocker is a welcome diversion. GHOST was co-written
with Billy Sherwood(ex-YES) and has a Queen vibe.
GONE TOO FAR:
another darker track similar to
the title track but with an orchestral atmosphere, heavy with
mostly symphonic keys and emotional vocals until the full
band comes for additional power. The track ends with male
choir, sounding like Russian monks.
I WILL BE THERE FOR YOU:
another rocker, which recalls earlier
John Wetton-era Asia circa 'Astra' from 1985. I can almost
hear Wetton in place of Payne on this one. Billy Sherwood
also cowrote this one with Geoff and John Payne.
DARKNESS DAY:
more chanting monks and pulsating
synth blurbling away underneath angular guitar and driving
drums for this track, with its menacing Middle Eastern/Zeppelin-type
atmosphere. Greta for late-night driving.
THE PROPHET:
whale-like sounds introduce another
downbeat anthem which gets cozy towards the end and eventually
fades where perhaps they should have just jamed for a while.
Shimmering organ and tortured guitar dominate, and bring to
mind what it may have been like had the Buggles joined Styx
instead of Yes.
RISE:
for those who shelled out for the
Japanese version got an extra rocker, 'RISE' which perhaps
should have replaced one of the more depressing tracks for
more balance.
And some versions include a 'making
of SILENT N.' DVD. Though you may not ever watch it more than
twice, it's not bad to have for an extra buck or two. Asia
have been quite active these days, and hope to release new
music before too long on the Insideout label. Maybe something
a little more cheerful next time, perhaps? In the wake of
rumors of a 'classic' Asia reunion(Downes/Wetton/Steve Howe/Carl
Palmer), one can't help but respect the John Payne era band.
With SILENT N., this is a new and more mature Asia, and I
hope they aren't put on the shelf for too long.
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