If the 'super group' of Asia delivered only a few - but monumental - albums in the 'prime time' of their career, then fellow 'comrades' John Wetton and Geoff Downes seem rather willing to issue one release after the other; be it a studio album, a TV broadcast session, an EP or a live CD/DVD combo. How about quality, then? Hmmm...a tough time...
Both musicians are - apart from their 'deeds' with Asia - kinda 'living' parts of the Pomp/AOR/Prog music of Europe the last 35 years. John Wetton's portfolio includes works with King Krimson, UK, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash and Roxy Music while Geoff Downes has contributed art to the likes of Buggles and Yes. Leaving aside the fact that half of the 'melodic' Prog Rock/Metal bands would 'shit' their pants off in order to have the chance to collaborate with these two monstrous musicians, we should focus a little bit on their current activities (really, what's the status with the much-anticipated 'classic lineup' Asia reunion? Are they 'on the road' by now?).
Via the Frontiers label - how weird? - is this sophomore studio album coming out, too. Having (previously) cooperated in Wetton's 2003 solo album, Rock Of Faith, the Icon project was soon to come. Anno 2004, Downes and Wetton released the Icon effort in delight of their countless fans across the globe. This years follow-up steps on the same formula and - according to your beliefs regarding the project's previous release(s) - the reaction (Media/fans) should logically be the same.
In a rather 'mellow' mood, Icon II - Rubicon sees the legendary duo trying to access the path of over-maturity (yes, even more than in the Asia days). Hence, sentimental melodies with 'pale' volume and sweet production are all you can get from the majority of tunes in this CD. Of course, we can't escape the Asia influence - even if this proves to be the most 'plus' part of the whole album - but Wetton and Downes seem to 'dig' also deep in the apocrypha of their experience, too. All tunes - but especially The Die Is Cast, Tears Of Joy and The Glory Of Winning - bring out the most 'inner' singing from Wetton and passionate playing from Downes. The participation of ex-E.L.O. cellist Hugh McDowell is again appropriate were needed, plus an interesting note refers to the involvement of The Gathering's 'sweet' singer Anneke Von Giersbergen, sharing the leads with Wetton in To Catch A Thief and Tears Of Joy.
The effort may be fine but sounds - again - too 'tired'. Sticking to the aspect of too 'middle-aged' musicians, I carry on seeing Icon as nothing more than a 'methadone' for Asia maniacs. Is it too 'mean' to say I do not hope to review another CD of them in the next three years?