AUGENBLICKE

As I have said, I will never be able to listen to a ''Novalis'' album (or ''Grobschnitt'', or ''Jane'' or ''Birth Control'' only to name of few) without thinking of my friend Febus who sadly passed away a few days ago.

Of course, this album is not as good as their great early days ones. Even Antoine (Febus) who was a huge fan decided to stop reviewing them after ''Vielleicht Bist Du Ein Clown''. Since I started my reviewing process with another philosophy, I will review some more of their works even if we all know that the best is of course behind.

I know therefore that my friend won't be upset while reading these lines in the prog Walhalla.

The best of this album is the good instrumental opener ''Danmark''. I have always appreciated their instrumental passages; I am rather reluctant in terms of German vocals and the ones from ''Ich Hab' Noch Nicht Gelernt Zu Lieben'' are just confirming this aversion.

The popish orientation that could be felt in some previous works is accentuated here. It is not because ''Cassandra'' is an instrumental piece of music, that it is per se a good one. Not bad, but the poignant moments of their debut for instance is totally alien to such a track.

The whole boredom of the band can be felt during ''Herbstwind'': a totally uninspired and unemotional song. The cherry on the cake is of course these painful German lyrics. Ouch! But the band quickly opted for these as soon as their second album, and they were quite successful in their home country, so.

The good news about ''Augenblicke'' (one moment), is that lots of tracks are instrumental ones, like the tranquil ''Mit Den Zugvögeln''. Somewhat repetitive but featuring fine keyboards. As a guitar counterpart, ''Sphinx'' is rather pleasant. A fine melody, a nice execution but again, I would have liked some more passion in here. Still, it is another pleasant song.

Actually, most of the songs featured here are OK. Even if ''Als Kleiner Junge'' has a weak start, it features a very catchy guitar solo during the middle part, which saves it dramatically. It is very emotional and only adds to my sadness tonight. When I listen to ''Begegnungen'' I am overwhelmed my emotion and a deep, deep sadness. I am speechless by now.

This album is average. Five out of ten. I will still upgrade it to three stars for the reasons you can imagine.

I closed my review for ''Sommerabend'' with these words: ''I dedicate this review to my friend Febus: hold on my friend. There is light after the tunnel''. I wrote it on November 29th. Antoine passed away three days later.

Unfortunately for Antoine, the light was turned off but he will always be a light for me. Repose en paix mon ami.

Share this NOVALIS review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to ZowieZiggy
• Report this review (#192646)
• Buy NOVALIS music online with PA partners
• Show all NOVALIS MP3/Stream
• Go to NOVALIS page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Augenblicke page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for NOVALIS related discussions