“A Whiter Shade of Pale” was as essential to the heady 1967 musical landscape as anything and—even if it’s the only song by them that most rock fans know—Novum proves that half a century later Procol Harum remains a vital artistic force. Gary Brooker, the vocalist, pianist and co-composer of the zillion-selling classic that started it all for Procol and all that have followed it, has been the one constant in the band’s lineup since those early days, but the current band has been together for more than a couple of decades and delivers quite admirably here. The greatest, and most significant, change is the complete absence of Keith Reid, the lyricist who Brooker has partnered with on nearly every Procol song since day one. Many of Novum’s words are supplied instead by Pete Brown, best known for his work with Cream, with the band itself sharing credits as well. How much of a difference that shift in authorship credits will make to even hardcore PH fans—and there are still many—is negligible, as it’s all quite identifiably Procol. There’s a whimsy in some of Brown’s tunes: In “The Only One,” the narrator insists, among other cryptic musings, “This whole world, I put it there, I dreamed it up myself,” while “Last Chance Motel” will make anyone think twice about the merits of an illicit dalliance. Other tracks—“Soldier” and “Sunday Morning” among them—take a more studious approach. Whatever he’s singing about though, Brooker’s remarkably intact voice and signature piano stamp this music instantly and unambiguously.