ASIA – Gravitas [Deluxe Edition] (2014)

ASIA - Gravitas [Deluxe Edition] (2014) full

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When bands whose popularity peaked decades ago get back together and start releasing new albums, they often have that ‘gimmicky’ feel that is simultaneously reminiscent but not nearly as good as what scored their fame in the first place. Once in a while, though, you run across a band in that category who’s still ‘got it’ and have matured without sounding stale.
ASIA has surprised me lately as they have clearly been in that latter category. And their new CD for Frontiers Records, “Gravitas”, firmly secures them there.

“Gravitas” brings out the best of the unique, distinct Asia sound. There are a number of long instrumental passages on here and awesome solos from everyone. The title song doesn’t even kick in with vocals until three minutes in, but when John Wetton enters, oh man, this is what I call a gifted singer.
The whole disc opens with “Valkyrie” and some great a cappella harmonies from him that prove this talented vocalist is bringing his A-game on this one. It’s a top class song with a vintage Asia flavor and a magical melody.
The keyboards from Geoff Downes – who co-wrote and co-produced the album with Wetton – are outstanding with really awesome modern-sounding layers (tons of it) added on each song and plenty of kickin’ solos. Downes pulls some truly emotional punches with his battery of organs, synths, Hammond all over the record.

ASIA - Gravitas [Deluxe Edition] (2014) logo

“Gravitas” has a slightly more introspective mood to it than the recent work from Asia. “The Closer I Get To You” is a good example, with its piano-driven melody leading the band through a reflective tour of Wetton’s lyrics. The melody is infectious but not the main statement, as each instrument beautifully adds to the fast motion of the verses while still sounding melancholy.
Their previous outing, XXX, seemed to center around really strong choruses, where this time around there is a focus on the overall song structures. Each instrument is a color adding to the whole feeling of the songs, and it has a more Asia-esque maturity to it.
My favorite moments are often the extended solo sections which manage to augment the chorus in their interplay with the main melody. The fact that they sound more Asia than ever is interesting given they replaced their guitarist on this one.

“Gravitas” introduces Sam Coulson on guitars (in replacement of Steve Howe), and clearly they have not lost anything in the transition. Fill Howe’s shoes is not an easy task for anyone but Coulson – a young guitar whiz first spotted on YouTube, is a perfect match to the band, and shows his chops without trying to steal the show or sound as his predecessor.
“Heaven Help Me Now” is a proper illustration of how he interplays beautifully with the keyboard, trading licks on his solo and electrifying the speakers. At the same time, Coulson is capable of some really cool acoustic stuff that shows up on songs like “Russian Dolls”.
The album returns to a sound we’d expect in the albums closing stages and ends on a high with “Till We Meet Again”, leaving us in a reflective mood. It touches on the topic of that old revolving roster of bandmates – “I cherish each moment that we’ve spent” and “I say this, that were the best friends around” shed thanks upon past members and bring us neatly back up to the present.
This Deluxe Edition add a couple of nice acoustic versions as bonus tracks.

ASIA - Gravitas [Deluxe Edition] (2014) back cover

“Gravitas” is the freshest Asia album since their early ’80s releases, as combines the classic progressive atmospheres of the band with the meaty AOR and catchiness of the last period.
And, with “I Would Die For You” Asia not only recaptures the punchy relationship rock of ‘Heat of the Moment’, they neatly turn that breakout 1982 hit’s tale of snippy comeuppance on its ear — giving Wetton a chance to bear his heart in the rawest, most visceral of ways.
There is absolutely everything on Gravitas that adorns Asia: majestic arrangements, loads of wonderful synth and Hammond soundscapes, soulful piano passages, up-tempo beats (with Palmer’s drums providing the needed depth), great guitar solos, hard-edged vibe and at the same time delicacy, and yes; that incredible, velvety vocals.
Mandatory listen.

01 – Valkyrie
02 – Gravitas
03 – The Closer I Get to You
04 – Nyctophobia
05 – Russian Dolls
06 – Heaven Help Me Now
07 – I Would Die for You
08 – Joe DiMaggio’s Glove
09 – Till We Meet Again
10 – The Closer I Get to You (acoustic) [bonus track]
11 – Joe DiMaggio’s Glove (acoustic) [bonus track]

John Wetton – lead vocals, bass
Carl Palmer – drums, backing vocals
Geoff Downes – keyboards, backing vocals
Sam Coulson – guitars, backing vocals

Pre-Order:
www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=9135858
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