If you love Eighties AOR then Asia will be familiar to many. Originally formed in 1981, this supergroup comprising John Wetton, Steve Howe, Geoff Downes and Carl Palmer took the US charts by storm with their self-titled debut album which contains several hit tracks including `Heat Of The Moment’ in 1982.
Fast forward some forty-four years and now Asia is a slightly different beast with the only original member, Geoff Downes remaining on keys, Virgil Donati (Plant X) on drums, John Mitchell (It Bites) on guitar and Harry Whitley on bass and vocals breathing life into this new incarnation.
This twelve-track release recorded at Trading Boundaries in Sussex, in April 2025 captures a full live performance of their debut album alongside a few of their other hits.
As the first few chords of `Heat Of The Moment’ from John Mitchell ring out, the memories of what a great album this is, comes flooding back. What is even more surprising is how Harry Whitley’s voice stands out and ably fills the mighty baritone shoes of the late John Wetton. The crowd are already clapping along as the energy pouring off the stage is in full effect. Geoff Downes unmistakable keyboard sounds parp out the start of `Only Time Will Tell’ as this tightly locked together band rock out and Mitchell’s sustained riffs ring out. What is clear here is that the quality of both the recording and the sound sources themselves are simply stunning making for a brilliant listening experience.
`Sole Survivor’ with its driving chug and initial soloing riffery kicks in and once more Whitley’s vocal is sublime as is his bass playing! The mystical prog sounds of guitar and synths announce the arrival of `One Step Closer’ as Downes, Mitchell and Whitley’s vocals harmonise together.
The dark phrasings of `Time Again’ launch this intensely instrumental track which sees Downes and Mitchell dual between guitar and keys interspersed by Whitley’s dominating vocal presence. The calibre of musicianship here is amazing. `Wildest Dreams’ slows the pace a little paving the way for the equally hauntingly beautiful `Without You’ which incorporates key and timing changes galore with pure mastery.
`Cutting It Fine’ rocks out and could so easily be a musical cousin of many Marillion hits which share the driving riffs, brilliant hook lines and souring clean guitar parts but what sets this apart is the orchestral plucked violin, brass and piano parts courtesy of Mr Downes. The classic `Here Comes The Feeling’ hits home as this hit blasts out in perfect clarity. Dare I say that it sounds even better than the original!!
The first bonus track, `Ride Easy’ which was originally released as a B side to `Heat Of The Moment’ is up next. This mid-tempo, progressive and melodic track fits well around the other songs on the setlist and is a delight to hear. We move left of field with `Video Killed The Radio Star’ but its well-received and sounds great even if it’s not very rocky!
We finish with upbeat and epic `The Heat Goes On’. Gritty guitars, infectious rhythms, pounding piano and Whitley’s powerful, warm voice nail this anthemic song. What a way to end a show!
This incarnation of Asia is one of the best since the bands inception. The performance is kept warm and organic by Whitley’s vocal enhancements which add to Downes, Mitchell and Donati’s already impeccable musicianship. I hope to hear more from this fantastic lineup.
“Asia – Live In England” Tracklist:
1. Heat Of The Moment
2. Only Time Will Tell
3. Sole Survivor
4. One Step Closer
5. Time Again
6. Wildest Dreams
7. Without You
8. Cutting It Fine
9. Here Comes The Feeling
10. Ride Easy (Bonus track)
11. Video Killed The Radio Star (Bonus track)
12. The Heat Goes On (Bonus track)
PRE-ORDER HERE
Line Up:
Geoff Downes
Virgil Donati
John Mitchell
Harry Whitley
