Review by Paddy Gallagher for MPM
Asia: a supergroup in every essence of the term. Mention them in the same breath as Yes, ELP, King Crimson and wonder what could a mere mortal like me say in a review? A quick scan through the current and past line ups is a veritable who’s who of progressive rock history and that’s compounded when you check the names of artists who’ve guested.
Sitting at the melodic, accessible, easy listening end of the Prog Rock spectrum, Asia, continue true to form with this release, “Indigo” which has a release date of 6th November 2026 on Frontiers Music Srl. Combining the talents of Geoffrey Downes on Keyboards, Virgil Donati on drums, John Mitchell on guitar and newcomer Harry Whitely on bass duties, there are guest appearances by past member Steve Howe on “Chesapeake Bay” and Mike Portnoy on the bonus track, album closer “Tattoo Indigo (Part 3)”.
Recorded in 2025 the album is a quality product. Poignantly, 3 of the 15 tracks were written by the sadly deceased John Wetton, and they provide a sense of continuity to past eras of the band. Initial songwriting began in 2015 with John Wetton and Geoff Downes pooling ideas prior to John’s health deteriorating and his subsequent passing in 2017.
A tribute concert for John in 2023 and the subsequent response from the public encouraged Geoff to re-establish the band, returning to the studio with the new line-up to produce an album that is essentially Asia in accessibility and musicianship, Prog with minimal complexity and an AOR immediacy.
“The Traveller (Into the Light)” kicks things off, up tempo with pomp keyboards and prominent guitar. “Change of Heart” starts with a gorgeous solo piano leading to a chorus full of vocal harmonies invoking pure 1970’s memories as does “Is This the Life” with its big chorus and tasteful guitar solo from John Mitchell!
The 3-part suite that is “Tattoo Indigo” is as prog as the album gets, “Part 1” with its stomping guitar is an instrumental which builds over 4 minutes 40 seconds towards the John Wetton penned duo, “Part 2” and “Part 3”. “Part 3” re-appears as a bonus track at the end of the album with the afore mentioned guest Mike Portnoy on drums.
The big vocal chorus is back for “Life in the Sun” along with a guitar solo that John Mitchell knocks out of the park, while “Hymn for the Fallen” oozes the type of atmosphere that comes as no surprise when considering the musicians present.
The rocking “Night and Day” brings a nuance of Magnum around “On a Storytellers Night” and “Vigilante” era while a product of the 2015 Wetton / Downes writing sessions “Chesapeake Bay” features founder member Steve Howe making a guest appearance on acoustic guitar, a magical moment with the connection to John Wetton.
In support of the album, there are already tours booked, including Japan and the annual Prog extravaganza that is the jaw dropping “Cruise to the Edge”. This is a purely pleasant listening experience that soothes away the day’s stresses and aches.
With that iconic Asia logo gracing the front cover and accompanying so readily identifiable artwork, so very resonant of other 1970’s Prog cover artwork, if you like your classic Prog, this is for you; and if you like your AOR, this is for you! A fine addition to your record collection.
Pre-Order “Indigo” HERE
“Indigo” Tracklist:
The Traveller (Into The Light)
Change Of Heart
Arcadia
Is This The Life?
Tattoo Indigo (Part 1)
Tattoo Indigo (Part 2)
Tattoo Indigo (Part 3)
Life In The Sun
Hymn For The Fallen
Night And Day
Valencia (The Ghost Ship)
An Elegy
Chesapeake Bay (Featuring Steve Howe)
On A Winters Night
Echo Of You
Tattoo Indigo (Part 3) (featuring Mike Portnoy) (Bonus Track)
Line Up:
Geoff Downes
Virgil Donati
John Mitchell
Harry Whitley
