Review | Alliance – Before Our Eyes

Frontiers Music Srl

Alliance’s album `Before our Eyes’ is an unexpected treat in times the band seemed on ice for years and promises to be another stellar addition to the band’s impressive catalogue, showcasing the musical prowess that has defined their career for over three decades. A powerhouse of the melodic rock scene, Alliance continues to deliver the high-quality, hook-laden rock that fans have come to expect. With Robert Berry at the helm, the band has since elevated from the all-star dubbing to a real time band with a musical evolution that is far from regular. `Before Our Eyes’ links back to the melodic heydays and discerns from `Fire and Grace’, Berry’s only effort that didn’t connect with me easily.

What sets Alliance apart is their ability to blend technical proficiency with accessible songcraft. Berry’s years of experience in various musical projects, including his solo work and collaborations with industry veterans, have honed his songwriting skills to a razor’s edge. Coupled with the instrumental prowess of his bandmates; Gary Pihl of Boston fame on guitar, David Lauser from the Sammy Hagar Band on drums, and Alan Fitzgerald from Night Ranger on keyboards. With Berry at the vocal helm and laying down the intricate bass lines, the blend of styles is immensely favorable. Alliance creates a sonic tapestry that is both intricate and immediately engaging, channelling right into the heart and soul of fans worldwide!

HOMAGE TO THE CLASSIC AOR

Eagerly anticipating `Before our Eyes’, it’s clear that Alliance’s creative well shows no signs of running dry. If their past work is any indication, we can expect an album filled with soaring vocals, tasteful guitar work, and keyboard textures that pay homage to the classic AOR sound while pushing it forward. Berry’s production skills, honed through years of studio work, undoubtedly ensure that every note shines with crystal clarity, and the musical prowess at hands solidifies his musical vision with downright intense deliveries of the band’s slick crafted tracks.

`Before Our Eyes’ strikes a balance between their classic melodic style and a heavier, bluesy approach. The record seamlessly blends anthemic songs with stacked harmonies, showcasing the band’s musical prowess. Berry’s growling bass lines complement Pihl’s melodic guitar work, while Lauser’s powerful drumming adds depth to the tracks.

,,Tell Somebody’’ opens the album with a strong hook and dynamic rhythm section. The song features doubled vocals and wailing guitar, creating a cohesive and impactful sound. Other standout tracks include ,,Too Many People’’ with its narrative-like phrasing, and the energetic ,,Tonight’’ and ,,A Bone to Chew On’’, which boast heavier grooves.

ALLIANCE – THE CONCLUSION

The band’s signature vocal harmonies shine on tracks like ,,Nothing Will Make You Change’’ and ,,Joan of Arc’’, delivering memorable melodies with widespread appeal. Alliance’s ability to convey deep emotions is evident in songs such as ,,Face of Justice’’, which builds from an emotional opening into a powerful, bluesy track.

,,Good Life’’ showcases the band’s interplay and vocal harmonies, reminiscent of The Who’s style, with Hammond organ adding depth to the sound. The album also features more laid-back moments, like the acoustic ,,100 Sad Days’’, which maintains a positive vibe despite its lyrical content. Heavier tracks like ,,Can’t Stop Messin’’’ demonstrate the band’s ability to blend contemporary rock with bluesy undertones, while ,,Right’’ combines these elements into a melodic, hook-laden formula. Throughout the album, Alliance demonstrates their musical versatility and cohesion as a band.

For fans of melodic rock, `Before our Eyes’ is shaping up to be a must-listen event. Alliance’s ability to craft songs that balance technical skill with emotional resonance is a rare gift in today’s music landscape. As they prepare to add another chapter to their musical legacy, it’s clear that Robert Berry and Alliance continue to stand at the forefront of the genre, their creative prowess and instrumental mastery as sharp as ever.

Release date: 28 March 2025