SOMMERABEND

This German progrock band delivered some outstanding albums in the Seventies (by the way, the name Novalis is derived from a romantic German poet). This record is one of their best and especially the titletrack is magnificent. The first part contains a dreamy atmosphere: a slow rhythm with soft drums, strings, synthesizer sounds, twanging acoustic guitar and pleasant German vocals. The sound is a bit hypnotizing but very 'symphonic', especially when a sensitive electric guitar joins, the strings and synthesizer flights sound louder. Suddenly, after a short silence, the music accellarates with bombastic synthesizer runs and catchy electric rhythm guitar. Now the German vocals are accompanied by floods of organ and fiery electric guitar runs. It's great to hear such sumptuous sound after that long, dreamy first part! Then the rhythm slows down until we hear the same climate as in the beginning: a twanging acoustic guitar, lush strings, sizzling synths. Keep on dreaming the music seems to whisper! WUNDERBAR!!