Like the colorful cover suggests, Belle Alliance is goofier and more playful than previous Ashra releases. Its genre is still progressive electronic, but it has the spirit of synthy, ’80s new wave pumping through it. The synthesizers sound like children playing with toys, but because of the lighter nature of Göttsching’s guitar, they fit in just fine. “Code Blue” sounds like an overture to a movement that never takes off—perhaps a tribute to the ambient works of fellow colleague and friend, Klaus Schulze. Oho!

However, even though Belle Alliance has its own personality, it can’t compete with the first three Ashra albums. Göttsching isn’t as into his guitar playing, and the songs fail to move or impress on any significant level. Still, a worthwhile addition to an Ashra fan’s library because it has plenty of moods unique to it.