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It was bound to happen again at
some point- some of the members of the original Asia reuniting
to write new material. Here we have one half of the original
Asia from 1982, the main two songwriters vocalist/bassist
John Wetton and keyboard maestro Geoffrey Downes. And here
we have an album of all new material from these two, some
15 or 20 years after they last collaborated.
Since the beginning of the 90's,
they had forged separate paths: John Wetton embarked on a
solo career, crafting heartfelt power ballads and acting as
sort of godfather figure to the current progressive scene
by collaborating with the likes of John Mitchell(Arena), Martin
Orford(IQ/Jadis)and Steven Christy(Jadis). Geoff Downes continued
the Asia brand name with soulful vocalist John Payne as Wetton's
replacemant and a myriad of collaborators, continuing Asia's
legacy of powerful and panoramic melodic rock. The two eventually
regrouped, and Downes ended up playing on Wetton's 2003 cd
'ROCK OF FAITH'. As the two once shared a productive writing
partnership, the hatchett was buried and the two began a new
partnership to produce what you hear here.
This isn't the Asia of the 80's,
nor really an Asia at all. As Asia is still an ongoing entity
involving John Payne, ICON is born more or less as a new band
which also involves John Michell(already on a roll as guitarist
with ARENA and the fabulous new KINO supergroup) and Steve
Christey of JADIS. Other musical pals include Ian MacDonald,
Annie Haslam and Hugh MacDowell(ELO).
Musically there is a more rich
tapestry of sound, a more mature vibe. Whereas 80's ASIA utilized
YES-styled synths, Downes provides more orchestral arrangements
for ICON, and string sounds and organ dominate. There is a
somewhat sombre tone throughout in places, with a sense of
spirituality in some of the lyrics and the choir-like vocal
harmonies. The church of Asia, if you will. Wetton is emotionally
charged, and supplies the same tortured power he had displayed
on ROCK OF FAITH and 2001's SINISTER. Yet there is some uplifting
moments as well, and some powerful anthems. In my opinion,
ICON leans more to the Wetton side of things, a natural progression
from ROCK OF FAITH. Downes does little showboating on keys,
instead enhancing music with his trademark synths and arrangements.
His contribution is solid and tasteful, though comparing ICON
to recent Wetton solo albums it seems that Wetton seems to
get a few extra punches in.
The songs: PARADOX:
The overture is a short instrumental,
a sombre symphonic arrangement which builds up to the first
track.
LET ME GO:
Is a driving anthem with an almost
'Eye Of The Tiger'-style pumping bass and strong harmonies
which recalls the best AOR melodic rock. Gotta love that soaring
guitar solo and a bed of shimmering organ.
GOD WALKS WITH US:
This one is very much in the same
Wetton writing style you hear on a lot of his material such
as ARKANGEL(1997) and BATTLE LINES(1994). There's a gentle
flute sound and acoustic guitar layered around rich vocal
harmonies.
I STAND ALONE:
Church-like organ introduces this
track which is closest to the classic Asia sound, where Downes
is more noticable with his signiture atmospheric keyboards.
MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT:
A synth and acoustic-based ballad
with a chorus oddly similar to that one Lionell Ritchie song...
HEY JOSEPHINE: Another Asia throwback
with that pumping piano and bass rhythm, sounding like a lost
classic Asia track.
FAR AWAY:
A pleasant ballad with some tasteful
cello.
PLEASE CHANGE YOUR MIND: Another
Wetton-styled mid-tempo one.
SLEEP ANGEL:
A slow, mellow lullaby with barely
noticable rhythm and some cello. It eventually breaks into
a Mitchell guitar lead and full band sound.
SPREAD YOUR WINGS:
Another power ballad. Mitchell
still shines, and has become one of my favorite guitarists
these days.
IN THE END:
Great, postive anthem in which
John duets with Annie Haslam(of Renaisance), providing a pleasant
and uplifting album closer. Somebody put this on a Disney
soundtrack! A welcome return of Asia's guiding lights. However,
those expecting a full-on 80's Asia assult may be disappointed.
Without Steve Howe or Carl Palmer, there is a certain missing
bite.
ICON is a little different, more
mature and orchestral. Lots of ballads, power or otherwise.
There are certainly echoes of Asia in there but mostly in
some of the songwriting, and in whenever you hear a spritely
Downes synth phrase. But the potential is there, and the songs
mostly pretty good, though perhaps a few too many ballads.
Not sure how this affects the John Payne version of current
Asia, but if Geoff and John Wetton can still find time to
collaborate within or without the context of Asia, then all
is good. Let's hear more.
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