Going back to 1982, and remembering how big this album was at the time, and listening to it on the walkman, or just hearing most of these songs on the radio (when radio played more than just the singles on occasion). And here we are 44 years later with a new ASIA line up and a new live release of the debut, in it’s entirety, in order. Having seen the new ASIA a few years ago, I was quite happy with what I heard, especially in new singer/bass player Harry Whitley, who not only is close enough in sound to John Wetton, but also has the energy and passion to pull this off so well. There are times on this album, where one could close their eyes and forget what year this is. Hearing Whitley’s vocals on “Cutting It Fine” shows how just into this he is, and not just merely filling in. Asia have recorded the songs as they sounded on the original album (as close to), no deviations, the way fans would expect to hear it. No Palmer or Howe here, but check out the new single “Wildest Dreams” to hear how well this all sounds, especially John Michell’s performs on that one. Will be playing this one lots for the foreseeable future, which will lead to pulling out the original, and everything else Asia, in anticipation of the next 2 live sets (Alpha and Astra) that will come out down the road.

To order – https://ffm.bio/asia-liveinengland