KONZERTE

Few albums unveil a new member with a live recording, but that's precisely what Novalis did with their first (of two) 1977 releases. KONZERTE is a live document that also serves as a prémiere for the band's new frontman, Austrian singer Fred Mühlböck. Mühlböck is probably the first real singer the band ever had. Prior to his membership, the vocals were understated in a Camel sense, there just to have someone singing. But Mühlböck actually has something of a vocal presence: he's dramatic without falling into the trap of having fits of spastic, tasteless "hard rock" histrionics like so many others. He also plays guitar, so earlier pieces like "Wer Schmetterlinge lachen hört" can be interpreted in fullest glory. Also, he's a flute player, adding additional texture to an already full and rich sound.

That this album is not on CD is really something of a crime, as it contains what surely are the definitive versions of "Sommerabend" and "Wunderschätze". Mühlböck adds a good deal of life to the earlier songs as well, making this a great starter album for established fans and newcomers alike.

Don't get too excited by the concept of a live version of "Dronsz", though. It's basically pre-recorded walk-on music.