Some song ideas take a few weeks. Some take a few years. ASIA apparently needed about four decades to get around to “Arcadia.”
The legendary English rock band has released “Arcadia,” the latest single from its upcoming studio album Indigo, due November 6 through Frontiers Music Srl. The title has considerably more history with ASIA than the release date might suggest.
According to Geoff Downes, “Arcadia” was originally considered as the title for the band’s third album before Astra ultimately won the job. The idea never completely disappeared, and now, roughly 40 years later, it has finally become an ASIA song. Apparently, some titles are considerably more patient than others.
Inspired by the historic Greek region often portrayed as an idyllic escape from the outside world, “Arcadia” uses that imagery to explore the idea of stepping away from everyday life and finding somewhere quieter.
The song also introduces another chapter in ASIA’s long history. Downes is joined in the current lineup by drummer Virgil Donati, guitarist John Mitchell and vocalist/bassist Harry Whitley.
Indigo carries an important connection to the late John Wetton as well. Downes and Wetton began developing material following 2014’s Gravitas, but those plans were put on hold as Wetton became ill. He died in 2017 before the project could be completed.
Some of that work has now found its way onto Indigo, including Wetton compositions “Tattoo Indigo (Parts 2 & 3)” and “Chesapeake Bay.” Former ASIA guitarist Steve Howe contributes acoustic guitar to “Chesapeake Bay,” while Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy appears on the bonus track “Tattoo Indigo (Part 3).”
That makes Indigo something more interesting than simply another attempt to put a familiar band name back on the road. Part of the record reaches back to unfinished business with Wetton, while the rest establishes what this version of ASIA intends to sound like moving forward.
And somewhere along the way, they finally found a use for that album title they didn’t pick 40 years ago.
Indigo arrives November 6 via Frontiers Music Srl.
Learn More: ASIA Official Website
Information provided by ASIA’s publicity team.