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: : SILENT NATION : :
Is a bit of a departure from Asia’s last effort, the highly regarded Aura. Instead
of a long list of guest artists joining the song writing team of John Payne and
Geoff Downes, the two have settled down into a powerful quartet with Guthrie Govan
on guitars and Chris Slade on drums with Payne handling the bass guitar and vocal
responsibilities. The result is a more consistent and focused sound.
Silent Nation has
a much harder edge to it compared to Aura, yet it still retains a melodic texture
that is a trademark of Payne/Downes compositions.
The CD, which is
scheduled for release on August 31st in the USA on the InsideOut record label, opens
with the hard rocking What About Love. Payne, in a powerful, characteristic soulful
voice sings of the flaws of human nature while asking what about love as an answer.
Govan adds intense blues guitar lines filled with technical fireworks. One of the
most pleasant aspects of this entire recording is the guitar playing of Govan.
Possessing what seems like unlimited talent, he brings back skills that are mindful
of Steve Howe, although completely different in style. Payne’s bass and Chris Slade
drums provide rock solid rhythms throughout the CD while Downes adds his unique
magic with an arsenal of keyboard instruments. Next up is Long Way From Home, which
has Payne delivering hope filled hooks in life’s long journey filled with
challenges. Some interesting keyboard/guitar interaction provides a nice backdrop at
the 3 minute mark which brings the song home with another chorus line to end the
piece. The 3rd song, Midnight opens with a brief but heavy organ opening which
slides easily into a breezy guitar riff. The message here is what are we doing to
our earth and ourselves.
At the 4 minute
point he moves into a nice piano line followed by a eastern influence guitar riff by
Govan. Blue Moon Monday may be the most interestingly structured song on the
recording. Opening with a floating keyboard and a brief restrained guitar, it moves
into a mind shaking percussion line that repeats itself 2 more times during the
piece, reminiscent of a symphony surprise. It develops like a classic Asia epic and
then at the 4 minute mark we are treated to an absolutely beautiful guitar/keyboard
interlude that is joined by bass and gentle percussion. After two and a half minutes
of pure melodic symphonic rock we are treated to one more percussion/guitar line
just to say life isn’t always so smooth. This CD is all about solid guitar driven
rock embraced and wrapped in a sea of keyboard sounds aptly supported by tight bass
and drum performances with soaring, soulful vocals. The CD continues on with Silent
Nation, which opens with soft keys and classical sounding guitar, which builds into
a U2 inspired guitar line. Ghost In The Mirror brings back echos of GTR with a
lively guitar line and Payne delivering deftly soulful hooks. Gone Too Far reminds
us of the challenges of today’s world situation punctuated by some great guitar
work.
I Will Be There For You is a
lively rocker with yet more
fiery fret work by Govan to close the song. Darkness Day features a menacing
keyboard riff by Downes over a floating chant with heavy drums and guitar work with
haunting vocals. Closing the disc is The Prophet, with organic, spiritual overtones.
This song builds to a powerful blues guitar line with heavy organ, closing with some
nice jazzy piano by Mr. Downes. My only criticism of Silent Nation is that they did
not include a purely commercial pop piece that would receive extended air time for
today’s radio format which would garner additional attention that this recording so
rightly deserves.
9 out of 10
stars.
"Highly recommended"
Reviewer: John Bianco
: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :
: : Discography : :
Asia - 1982
Alpha - 1983
Astra - 1985
Then & Now - 1990
Aqua - 1992
Aria - 1994
Arena - 1996
Archiva 2 - 1996
Archiva 1 - 1996
Aura - 2000
Silent Nation - 2004
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