Univers Zero - 2002 Rhythmix

Univers Zero

2002

Rhythmix

01. Terres Noires (Blacklands) – 6:09

02. Reve Cyclique – 5:58

03. Rouages – Second Rotation (Cogwheels – Second Rotation) – 3:39

04. The Invisible Light – 3:12

05. Phobia – 5:33

06. Zorgh March – 3:24

07. Zebulon – 3:13

08. Foret Inviolee (Secret Forest) – 2:20

09. Shanghai’s Digital Talks – 4:51

10. Emotions Galactiques (Galactical Emotions) – 5:47

11. Waiting for the Sun – 3:16

12. The Fly-Toxmen’s Land – 4:52

13. Reve Cyclique (Reprise) – 0:53

- Daniel Denis / drums, percussion, keyboards

- Michel Berckmans / horns and wind instruments

- Eric Plantain / bass

- Bart Quartier / marimba, other percussion

with

- Christophe Pons / accoustic guitar (# 1,3,5)

- Aurelia Boven / cello (# 1,5,9)

- Bart Maris / trumpet (# 6,10,12)

- Dirk Descheemaeker / clarinet (# 7)

- Ariane de Bievre / flutes (# 2)

- Louison Renault / accordion (# 1)

“Rhythmix” shows the band in fine form, repeating the formula that had been successfully invented in “Uzed”. The musics still seems to come out of the entrails of Earth with its dark and gloomy athmospheres full of near classical music but with a demonic/devilish drummer cadencing as you row your life away onto your king’s galley whipped if you start to weaken.

he first striking thing is the addition of so much extra instrumentation. The return of cello was nice, and te and accordion were presented with a subtle enough touch as to be virtually transparent. The kickers, ough, are trumpet and acoustic guitar. Christophe Pons’ guitar work on “Rouages: Second Rotation” is simply great.

The defining moment comes with the opening of “The Fly-Toxmen’s Land”. The trumpet’s arrival is absolutely jarring, which is fitting for such a brutal composition. New bassist Eric Plantain holds his own with spidery bass fingering against Denis’ rampant thumping, while the winds and percussion swirl around like dreams of angry lactating bats. Before long (making you wish it were longer), the whole thing shifts into a melancholic coda, with the trumpet resurfacing in a much less piercing fashion. Denis’ drums take on a more direct approach, with bass and keys repeating a daunting riff. Five minutes is just not long enough for this masterpiece.