Discussion:
Asia Gravitas
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2014-03-28 15:38:42 UTC
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I heard the title track for the new Asia record. To me it sounds like much of the other Asia material, despite the change in guitar players. The guitar itself does sound heavier, which perhaps does provide a measure of gravitas to the Asia sound, indeed.
On this one tune they allow Sam Coulson one 16 bar solo, which sounds great but not long enough to satisfy in the midst of an otherwise not too aggressive tune.
As I have felt about all of the 21st century Asia material, there are some underlying flashes of brilliance from Carl Palmer, but it's clear they do not want this music to be too proggy to allow for a spotlight on drums. To be fair, I have only heard two tunes from this record (the other being the gentle- sounding single)so I can't judge the record as a whole. Would love for them to throw on one instrumental track, a la Rush, and just play their collective fanny off for 5 minutes.

I do think the keyboard sounds on this tune are great. No flashy playing, but some nice organic Hammond-esque sounds, high in the mix, which I hope might show up on the "Heaven and Earth" record.

Here is a clip of the new guitarist making some noise with his Charvel axe, which I believe is used on the Gravitas album. Very strat-like in appearance, but nice humbucker tones:


y***@hotmail.com
2014-03-28 23:50:09 UTC
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Eh. I've heard most of it, too many Wetton/Downes ballads for my tastes, sounds far more like Icon than Asia. The guitar work is pretty generic throughout imo. Phoenix & Omega I enjoyed very much, in fact I prefer Omega to the first album, no small feat after 25+ years. I also think the best material on both albums were the Howe songs, either wholly or co-written. XXX I didn't much care for, seemed a bit like scraping the barrel & Howe's jumping ship came as no real surprise to me.

I am, however, very much looking forward to the new Yes album, I like how this seems to be a collaborative effort, as opposed to finished songs that the other guys just overdub parts to. Especially curious as to what Davison is bringing to the table.

--

Paul

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