VIELLEICHT BIST DU EIN CLOWN ?

Fred Mühlböck arrived in time for "Brandung", and injected a masculine energy heretofore lacking in the NOVALIS sound. Unfortunately, he stunted the other group members and the subtleties of early releases. "Clown" puts them back on the right track. Finally the squawking lead guitars have found a proper context, having rung clumsy and insincere on earlier albums. The opener "Der Geigenspieler" could have come from their self titled disk, only improved upon by the group's new-found sway, although it visits for about 90 seconds too long.

Even more consequential is the venture into new territories. The quasi-title cut is preeminent, a late 1970s adaptation of classical music to a vocal rock track. The melody and vocals are stirring, and eloquent flute and lead guitar round out the triumphant delivery. "Zingaresca" is a peppy paean to CAMEL's more Latin side, while "Manchmal fällt der Regen eben lang" is prog pop of the highest order, especially in the lead guitar work. The closer "Die Welt wird alt und wieder jung" is a graceful ruminative ballad with mostly piano and voice, and radiates more empathy than any of the group's early works of questionable induction. Only the instrumental "City Nord" fails to impress, with its robotic beat and slick consistency.

NOVALIS found their authentic voice at a late hour, on their 5th disk. Four stars, no clowning around.