As things turn out, the split between keyboardist Geoff Downes and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist John Payne – the axis of Asia for roughly 15 years – seems like a good thing for all parties involved. Payne went on to form the refreshing band GPS with former latter-day Asia members Jay Schellen and Guthrie Govan, plus Ryo Okumoto from Spock's Beard. The group's debut, Window to the Soul, picks up where the best post-John Wetton Asia songs left off. Downes, on the other hand, reunited with original Asia vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Wetton to record both studio and live albums under the Icon moniker, as well as regroup with fellow original Asia-ns, drummer Carl Palmer and guitarist Steve Howe. The fruits of the first true Wetton/Downes collaboration since 1990 could be heard on last year's Icon, a so-so record that seemed a little on the dull side – artistic, to be sure, but unexpectedly low key.
Now comes Icon II-Rubicon. If you were to take the best songs from both Icon records, you'd have an impressive collection from two of the most commercial-minded progressive musicians in the business. Instead, you wind up with more of the same – although, to be fair, Icon II is more upbeat and consistent, complete with songs that sound like they could have appeared on Then & Now, Wetton's last Asia project back in 1990. Lyrically, the duo's reflective mood continues, as Downes says the album is based on "autobiographical experience set against historical scenery." Indeed, the royal opener "The Die Is Cast" lays down the album's tone, while later a lost-love song like "Shannon" bounces along to a Celtic groove. Among the album's highlights are the Asia wanna-be "The Hanging Tree" and "To Catch A Thief," a stunning duet with The Gathering's Anneke van Giersbergen that makes the often-weary Wetton sound young and hungry again. Wetton and Downes are accompanied once more by drummer Steve Christey (Jadis), guitarist John Mitchell (Arena) and cellist Hugh McDowell (Electric Light Orchestra). Unlike Icon, though, Icon II is a more convincing record that makes a Downes/Payne reunion seem less likely. This isn't Asia, but it may be the closest we ever get to new music from that entity.
Track Listing:
1) The Die Is Cast
2) Finger on the Trigger
3) Reflections (Of My Life)
4) To Catch A Thief
5) Tears of Joy
6) Shannon
7) The Hanging Tree
8) The Glory of Winning
9) Whirlpool
10) Rubicon
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