Asia Featuring John Payne: Military Man (EP)

Call me a traitor — I absolutely adored the first Asia album back in 1982 — but I prefer the band's output during the John Payne era over that of the John Wetton era. As proof, I submit to you Asia's disappointing 2008 disc, Phoenix, featuring all four original members.

When Geoff Downes unceremoniously dumped Payne and the rest of the band that helped him keep Asia alive for 14 years — way longer than the original Asia ever could have lasted — he was at least kind enough to allow Payne to carry on with the name. The verdict is still out on whether having Asia and Asia Featuring John Payne on the road and recording music is a great idea, but here we have the first fruits of the latter project's efforts.

This five-song, 24-minute EP features new versions and radio edits of "Military Man" and "Long Way From Home" (two prime cuts from the Payne era), recorded with Payne on bass and vocals, Erik Norlander (Rocket Scientists) on keys, Jay Schellen (Hurricane) on drums and Guthrie Govan (Payne-era Asia) on guitars. And an updated version of Norlander's keyboard workout "Neurosaur," which originally appeared on his 1999 solo album Threshold, now sounds like something that could have come off the Astra or Aqua albums.

It's a shame this disc couldn't have included more songs and greater variety. As is, it's difficult to determine the musical direction this offshoot will take. But both Payne and Norlander are quality songwriters, and an eagerly anticipated album of original new material is reportedly on the way. Military Man, however, proves Payne and his cohorts are off to a solid start.

Track Listing:
1) Military Man (2009 Version)
2) Long Way From Home (2009 Version)
3) Neurosaur (2009 Version)
4) Military Man (Radio Edit)
5) Long Way From Home (Radio Edit)

Added: January 6th 2010
Reviewer: Michael Popke
Score:
Related Link: Official Asia Featuring John Payne Web Site
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Language: english

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