How About them Asia-ns?

A strong comeback featuring the original members of Asia (John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer, and Steve Howe) was certainly on my list of “never gonna happen” items. The band have returned in full force though, reclaiming their name and offering all new studio and live efforts. Resonance is their latest, a three disc live album (2 CDs and 1 DVD) recorded on their 2010 tour supporting Omega. The album was recorded in Basel, Switzerland.

The best part of this set is, for me, hands down, the graceful aging of John Wetton’s voice. While he’s always had a solid voice, the older he’s gotten the more outstanding it has become. The emotionally charged “Never Again” and the megahit anthem “Heat of the Moment” are the perfect evidence. Wetton leads the completely locked in band to a whole new place with his work here. Steve Howe’s slightly dirtier tone on live versions of “Heat of the Moment” is worth noting here as well, causing you to wonder what this might sound like if it were recorded today instead of in the eighties. In addition to Wetton’s powerful and emotive vocals, the band is just absolutely on fire here. Sure they aren’t jumping around the stage and going crazy but every note is spot on, faithfully recreating the originals Asia fans love.

The aforementioned tunes, “Sole Survivor,” “Finger on the Trigger,” “Holy War,” the acoustic Howe-a-maniac “Alls A Chord,” the gentle and contemplative “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes,” and, my personal favorite, “An Extraordinary Life” are all here and sounding great. The production is crystal clear as well, just adding to the fans experience of picking up on every little nuance.

The downsides here are relatively minor. For example, I wasn’t sure we needed another live album from Asia BUT it is so much better than previous recordings that it’s worth it. The set is a little lengthy as well, so it doesn’t make for a good introduction to Asia. If you have never heard them (or haven’t since “Heat of the Moment” dominated radio) then I’d suggest picking up XXX first. The set is a little long-toothed if you aren’t a diehard fan or familiar with the band’s catalog. All in all though, this is for the fans and the fans will love it.