Released 29 June 2012 on Frontiers

Asia’s reunion seems to have rejunevated the franchise. On this, their thirtieth anniversary album, the band sound remarkably fresh and vibrant.

The typical poppy take on prog (e.g. “I Know How You Feel”) that characterised their multi-million selling debut has remained a constant throughout those thirty years. Production isn’t quite as bombastic but they manage to avoid the 21^st century’s bargain basement cottage industry sound that plagues the genre since the demise of big recording budgets.

No qualms on the songwriting front either. Tracks like “Bury Me In Willow”, “Faithful” or “Face On The Bridge” can stand proud alongside anything in Asia’s extensive catalogue.

Instrumentally, the band delivers, but Steve Howe will never be among my favourite guitarists.

Asia celebrate their 30^th anniversary with a fine album that consolidates their position as one of prog’s true super groups. Nice.

Rating – 85%
Review Sancho