Asia - Indigo (2026)
A pleasant but rather predictable collection of melodic progressive rock compositions, combining accessible AOR songwriting, elaborate keyboard arrangements and the familiar sound of eighties Asia. Twelve years after Gravitas, the band return with a renewed lineup led by Geoff Downes, supported by Harry Whitley, John Mitchell and Virgil Donati. I appreciate the instrumental performances, the melodic vocal arrangements and the emotional connection with John Wetton's musical legacy. However, the songwriting remains relatively conservative, several compositions lack memorable melodies, and the extended running time weakens the album's consistency. Indigo is a good to very good comeback whose musical craftsmanship and nostalgic character are more convincing than its originality.
The circumstances surrounding the album are particularly significant. Following John Wetton's death in 2017, the future of Asia became uncertain, but Geoff Downes eventually returned to material they had started writing together. Several unfinished compositions have now been developed by the current lineup, creating a connection with the band's earlier history. I appreciate this approach, particularly because it gives the project a genuine emotional foundation. Nevertheless, the presence of previously unfinished material doesn't automatically produce a particularly convincing album, and I occasionally find the nostalgia more appealing than the compositions themselves.
The musical direction remains firmly rooted in the combination of melodic rock and accessible progressive arrangements that characterised Asia's most successful period. Downes' keyboards provide the familiar symphonic textures, while Mitchell's guitars introduce a slightly heavier character. Donati's drumming is technically accomplished, although the relatively straightforward songwriting rarely gives him opportunities to develop particularly interesting rhythmic ideas. I appreciate the quality of the performances, but the arrangements frequently sound like competent reproductions of an established formula rather than expressions of a new musical direction.
"The Traveller (Into the Light)" provides an energetic opening, combining prominent keyboards, melodic guitar arrangements and a conventional rock chorus. I appreciate its immediacy, although the song doesn't introduce anything particularly unexpected. "Arcadia" adopts a more atmospheric approach, with a recognisable sense of nostalgia and a relatively restrained melody. Both compositions are enjoyable enough, but I don't find their musical ideas particularly distinctive.
The three-part "Tattoo Indigo" suite is probably the album's most interesting section. Combining changing instrumental arrangements, progressive structures and material originating from Downes' final writing sessions with Wetton, it introduces greater musical ambition than most of the surrounding songs. I particularly appreciate the interaction between keyboards and guitars, although the suite occasionally becomes more elaborate than necessary. Some instrumental developments are appealing, but the transitions don't always create a convincing emotional progression.
"Chesapeake Bay" is probably my favourite composition. Featuring acoustic guitar from original Asia member Steve Howe, it provides a welcome contrast with the more polished and conventional AOR material. I appreciate its relatively restrained character, particularly because the melody remains central without relying on elaborate production. The emotional connection with Wetton's unfinished work also gives the song a sincerity that I don't consistently find elsewhere on the album.
"Night and Day" returns to a more straightforward melodic rock approach, with energetic performances and an accessible chorus. However, the songwriting is relatively predictable, and the melody doesn't leave a particularly lasting impression. "Echo of You" introduces a more reflective character, with atmospheric keyboards and expressive vocals providing an appropriate conclusion. I appreciate the intention, although the composition doesn't entirely deliver the emotional impact that the album's history might suggest.
Harry Whitley's vocal performances are one of the album's stronger elements. His timbre inevitably recalls John Wetton, but he approaches the songs with sufficient confidence to avoid sounding entirely imitative. I appreciate the clarity and melodic character of his delivery, particularly during the more restrained compositions. However, the vocal melodies themselves aren't always particularly memorable, and several choruses seem designed primarily to reproduce the familiar Asia sound.
The production is polished and professional, giving the keyboards, guitars and vocals considerable clarity. I appreciate the instrumental balance, although the recording occasionally feels excessively controlled. The music rarely develops the spontaneity or emotional intensity that might distinguish it from conventional contemporary AOR. The arrangements are accomplished, but their technical sophistication doesn't consistently compensate for the relatively ordinary songwriting.
My main reservation concerns the band's dependence on its established musical identity. Asia's combination of progressive rock instrumentation and accessible melodic songwriting remains appealing, but Indigo rarely introduces anything genuinely unexpected. The keyboard arrangements, guitar solos and vocal harmonies frequently recall earlier releases, without consistently providing melodies strong enough to justify the familiarity. I would have preferred a more adventurous musical direction, particularly given the technical abilities of Mitchell and Donati.
The running time is another limitation. With sixteen tracks and an alternative version of "Tattoo Indigo (Part 3)", the album feels unnecessarily extended. Several compositions are enjoyable in isolation but don't contribute enough to the overall experience. A more selective tracklist might have created greater consistency and allowed the strongest songs to stand out more clearly.
Nevertheless, Indigo contains worthwhile moments. The performances remain accomplished, the production is clear, and the connection with Wetton's musical legacy gives the record a certain emotional significance. I particularly appreciate "Chesapeake Bay" and parts of the "Tattoo Indigo" suite, where the arrangements offer more than conventional melodic rock songwriting. The album also demonstrates that the current lineup can preserve Asia's recognisable identity, even if it doesn't substantially expand it.
Ultimately, Indigo is a good to very good melodic progressive rock album whose strengths lie primarily in its instrumental performances, accessible arrangements and nostalgic atmosphere. I appreciate the sincerity of the project and the quality of the musicians, but the relatively predictable songwriting, limited melodic originality and excessive duration prevent it from becoming particularly memorable. There are enjoyable compositions and a few genuinely appealing moments, especially "Chesapeake Bay", but I would have preferred stronger individual songs, greater stylistic variation and a clearer sense of artistic progression. Indigo is a respectable comeback, although not an essential addition to Asia's discography.
68/100
Playing time: 01:05:18
❤️ Favourite track: "Chesapeake Bay"
✚ Accomplished instrumental performances, particularly Geoff Downes' keyboard arrangements, John Mitchell's guitar work and Virgil Donati's drumming
✚ Enjoyable melodic rock atmosphere and confident vocals from Harry Whitley, preserving the recognisable musical identity of Asia
✚ Emotional connection with John Wetton's legacy, with appealing moments on "Chesapeake Bay" and the "Tattoo Indigo" suite
– Conservative songwriting relying heavily on established eighties AOR and progressive rock conventions
– Relatively weak melodic memorability, with several conventional choruses and few genuinely distinctive compositions
– Excessive running time and unnecessary repetition, including an alternative version of "Tattoo Indigo (Part 3)"
Genre: Melodic Progressive Rock
Country: UK
Final Verdict: 68% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 109th / 833
Highlight: Chesapeake Bay
Made me think of:
John Wetton
Yes
Saga
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