Music Review: "Before Our Time" by Sperry Alan

With influences and a sound combining the best of bands such as Silversun Pickups and Pearl Jam, it's no wonder that Sperry Alan's new album, "Before Our Time", is proving to be a big hit.

Combining alternative rock and folk rock, this album tells the autobiographical tale of John Alan Sperry's journey after the decision not to commit suicide. It's raw and emotive, whilst remaining upbeat and positive.

The musician's BandCamp page explains: "Those songs, though memorable and easy to listen to, focus more on interesting musical progressions rather than traditional commercial appeal." This concept is evident in tracks such as "Made of Mistakes", "I Maintain", and "Pig".

For me, the tracks which I enjoyed the most from this record were "Rock & Roll Life" and "My Woman". "Rock & Roll Life" contains a heavier and gutsy sound, but it's incredibly catchy and uplifting.

"My Woman" on the other hand, begins with a pretty piano tune which works cohesively with the sounds of an electric guitar and drums. The female back-up vocals in parts is a nice touch too, as are the poetic lyrics (such as "flowered hair, purple heart, my woman"). This is a love song with a difference, and the musician has done a fantastic job with this track!

Another track which really caught my attention was the closing song, "Pig". This is a song consisting purely of instrumentals and containing no vocals at all. I loved the way in which Sperry Alan closes the album though in this orchestral and calming way.

If you're a fan of musicians such as Neil Young, Pearl Jam, I Mother Earth, Matthew Good, and Silversun Pickups, then you're going to love this newly-released album from Sperry Alan.

I encourage you to stream "Before Our Time" in full on BandCamp, and you can also check out the musician's website and Facebook page. Enjoy!

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- This review is part of our ongoing Music Review series where Whim is introduced to an array of artists from Independent Music Promotions.