IN THE NIGHT

One word could describe Novela's early years and this is fertility.Shortly after ''La songerie'' was released the Japanese sextet returned with a second offering under the title ''In the night''.The album was published on the prog-specialized Nexus Records, a sublabel of King Records.

More or less, the album follows the structure of Novela's debut, four short Hard Rock tracks appear on the first side of the LP and a long progressive composition dominates the second side (along with a shorter tune).So the opening side is captured by compositions having an evident Hard Rock/Proto-Metal style, characterized by sharp guitar riffs and solos and massive keyboard runs, but the overall approach remains quite artistic, especially due to Egawa's talent.Despite the accesibility of the tracks the listener will also face the flashy synthesizers (with a strong Neo Prog flavor), symphonic organs and delicate pianos of Egawa, adding to the whole atmosphere a proggy vibe.However the Japanese vocals of Igarashi Hisakatsu remain hillarious.The flipside is highlighted by the 17-min. long ''Reminiscence'', a Symphonic/Art Rock composition, where Egawa has eventually plenty of space to deliver his more progressive tendencies.Bombastic keyboards parts, sweet Classical-inspired interludes and grandiose electronics are in the menu in a very nice composition with a superb atmosphere at moments.The sporadic appearances of the heavy guitars remind the listener of Novela's main style, but the arrangement is far from anything close to Hard Rock, this is pure Symphonic Rock, though the 80's-sounding keyboards sometimes absorb part of ''Reminiscence's'' grandiosity.

Another good album by Novela, which will appeal to fans of Hard/Symphonic Rock.The sidelong track alone is a good reason to purchase the album.Recommended overall.