procol harum

NOVUM Eagle Records ✪✪✪✪ ✪

It’s amazing to think that it’s been 50 years since Procol Harum released the song with which they will be forever associated, the immortal A Whiter Shade Of Pale. Many personnel changes have occurred through the years, singer and founding member Gary Brooker being the only constant presence in the band. Novum is Procol’s first album for 14 years and their 13th to date, Brooker referring to the new release as, “What I believe to be one of the finest Procol Harum albums ever…” Lyricist Pete Brown – who has previously worked with Cream and Jack Bruce – plays a part in the band’s slight change of direction, which sees a bluesier edge evident in the album’s 11 tracks. Brooker’s voice is still as strong as ever, evidenced on the CD’s ballads like Sunday Morning and rockers, notably Can’t Say That. Compelling stuff. And with our old friend Geoff Whitehorn on guitar – and sounding as brilliant as ever – what’s not to like?