| The
Review |
It is fitting that the duo of original Asia members John
Wetton & Geoff Downes would sound more like Asia than recent
Asia does. And although the mach II/Downes/ Payne-era of the
band is much different, 'Rubicon' makes a much well marked
return to the 80's arena rock sound that Asia had helped develop.
Nevertheless, this album is brought forth with arena sophistication
and pomp pop, excitable at times, while being laid back at
others. ***
Returning with John Mitchell (Arena, Kino) on guitar,
Steve Christey on drums, and cellist Hugh McDowell (whose
performance is very prominent on the record), the album starts
off with two striking tracks, both "The Die is Cast" and "Finger
on the Trigger," for which the 'heat of the moment' of Asia's
classic sound has returned, it's like the whole point was
to rejuvenate that energy, for which it was. However, balladry
is set in motion on "Reflections," the Irish influenced "Shannon,"
& piano laden "To Catch a Thief" where there is this gap of
mellow material. However, "The Hanging Tree" is the darkest
moment on the record, but it's a powerful track; "The Glory
of Winning" is the anthem of the album, not exactly jumpy,
but it's fully energetic; the title track follows the same
suit, but in a more conclusive fashion. ***
Much more vibrant than the first 'Icon' record, the musical
muscles were flexed a lot more, Mitchell really executed some
amazing guitar work while the arrangements of Downes are lush
as usual, not to mention that Wetton's voice really held up.
In the end, it would be no surprise if the overall vibe on
the record was the ignition of the full-blown reunion of the
original Asia, but who knows. ***
Tommy Hash
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