BELLE ALLIANCE

Just like the preceding album, Belle Aliance is an inconsistent release where Göttsching tries out influences from diverse sources such as funk, rock, reggae, world music and others. His electic guitar playing remains recognizably bluesy but has lost the urgency and spaciness of yore.

There still are a couple of interesting tracks in the first half, Wudu works quite well with its relaxed bouncy pace, Voodoo voices and moody guitar work, Screamer is a bit of fun where Göttsching sounds heavier then usual, and Aerogen is a fine APP-inspired instrumental. The remainder of the short pieces show Göttsching in a either go-happy moods or new age fluffiness. Code Blue is an ambient piece like he's done so many before. Not bad for new age relaxation music but a dull listen.

If I would made an Ashra compilation I'd only take Wudu from this album, the remainder of the album lacks freshness, inspiration and heart. Göttschings's weakest release for me.