SOMMERABEND

Greg Northrup from the "Progweed" site mentions in his review that NOVALIS were the best Symphonic band to come out of Germany, and that this album that he says "blew me away" was their opus. He goes on to say : "Think "Ocean"-era ELOY but with a warmer, more romantic and earthy feel, not to mention more musical consistency...in addition the album has very crisp production, with lush moogs, biting synthesizer, warm bass and bright emotional guitar solos". He says it better than I could. Like Greg I was completely blown away with this album. The title of it means "Summer Evenings" and it's so appropriate as we get a breezy, lazy and calming mood that couldn't make me feel any better. I'm humbled at how beautiful this record is.The vocas are in German and are reserved. Some backing vocals come in at times too which sound really good. Only three tracks on this 38 1/2 minute album. It's just right.

"Aufbruch" is an instrumental that opens with water sounds before this outstanding soundscape takes over. Nice chunky bass and keys .Guitar 2 minutes in with the organ in tow. Incredible sound ! Check out the organ 5 minutes in.The guitar is back leading after 7 minutes before the keys end it with pleasure. "Wunderschatze" has some good bass in the intro before it settles with acoustic guitar melodies. Vocals after a minute. Gorgeous. Vocals stop before 4 minutes and this incredible soundscape takes over with bass, organ and guitar. Amazing ! Check out the drumming 5 minutes in as the guitar lights it up and the organ pulsates. Oh my ! It settles again 6 minutes in and vocals follow. Beautiful. The tempo picks up a little with drums leading the charge.

"Sommerabend" is the side long title track at 18 1/2 minutes. Drums and spacey synths early before we get some strummed guitar before 4 minutes as the sound changes. Water sounds follow and the synths are back. The vocals before 6 1/2 minutes are reserved, they stop 2 minutes later as acoustic guitar takes over. Then this emotional and powerful soundscape comes in before 9 minutes. Vocals are back ! Gorgeous. It kicks in after 12 minutes and we get some backing vocals a minute later. It settles back after 14 1/2 minutes to that beautiful soundscape and the guitar is crying out. Reserved vocals are back, it's all so moving. After 16 1/2 minutes to the end the sound is beyond description as the tears fall.

I've discovered another special record.