Novum

Reviewed by David Randall at Get Ready to Rock, online here

What do you think of when you hear the words “Procol Harum”?  Whiter Shade Of Pale?  Symphonic rock, maybe?  Robin Trower was in an early incarnation?  Perhaps this demonstrates the band’s eclectism over fifty years and perhaps even the reason for their longevity.

Unfortunately that eclecticism continues on the album Novum which may split any potential new recruits to the fanbase.  Some may think there are not enough soft rockers like I Told On You, Businessman, Can’t Say That or the Steely Dan-ish Image Of The Beast.

Of course Gary Brooker’s vocals are as distinctive as ever rooted in the jazz rock/blues fusion that the band have also touched upon, whilst Geoff Whitehorn provides tasty guitar figures throughout.

Overall, it’s an album of solid songs (with lyrics by Pete Brown – who worked with Cream).  It does justice to the band’s long heritage if not as revelatory (or rocky)  as the predecessor (fourteen years ago!) This [sic] Well’s On Fire.  Moreover, it underlines why they might still alienate as many listeners as they will now attract.  ***1/2

Procol Harum albums