The Haunted World of Univers Zero
Michael W. Draine | Acton, MA United States | 06/19/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Formed in Brussels in 1974, Univers Zero (a name derived from an apocalyptic sf novel) made their recording debut in 1977 as a unique septet comprising bassoon, violin, viola, harmonium, bass guitar, electric guitar, and drums. Under the leadership of percussionist/composer Daniel Denis, the group integrates influences as diverse as the French avant-rock ensemble Magma, the oboe-fronted Third Ear Band, Balkan folk music, Bela Bartok, Krzysztof Penderecki, and Albert Huybrechts. Extramusical sources of inspiration include H. P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, Hieronymus Bosch, and Peter Bruegel the Elder.
Though steeped in the classical tradition, the timing of band's premiere, their uncompromising DIY spirit, and aura of alienation suggest greater affinity for the punk ethos than progressive rock. All of Univers Zero's ten albums showcase intricate composition, consummate instrumental craft, stunningly textured arrangements, and an air of malignancy at once seductive and sinister.
Darting, ever-shifting rhythms, angular melodies, and dissonant chromaticism pervade this CD, Univers Zero's eponymous first album. Tension is repeatedly built up and released throughout the taut, wiry 15-minute opening track, "Ronde," with ominous swellings disarmingly yielding to poignant, introspective passages. An odd, black humor crops up in the form of an occasional mocking phrase or ironic flourish, immediately dispelled by a sudden attack of massed strings. Originally released in a self-titled private edition of 500 in 1977, a reissue under the title 1313 was chosen as the first release by Atem Records. In 1984, 1313 was reissued and remixed by Cryonic Records; Cryonic's brighter mix appeared on Cuneiform's 1989 CD release of the album. Long-term fans have cited the Atem mix as the best presentation of the music. This remaster brings out detail, subtleties of timbre, and chthonic bass missing from its initial CD incarnation. The original title, UNIVERS ZERO, has been restored for this landmark remaster. In addition to the more natural, organic sound, this remastered edition includes an amazing 28-minute bonus track, a professionally-recorded live take of "La Faulx," the recorded version of which appears on Univers Zero's second album, HERESIE. In this awesome, monolithic composition, the group paints a series of dark, expansive vistas without ever lapsing into the grandiosity endemic to progressive rock.
Highly recommended to fans of early King Crimson, the writing of H. P. Lovecraft, Godspeed You! Black Emperor's symphonic post-rock, Witold Lutoslawski, and German Expressionist horror films. Even if you own the earlier CD incarnation, the refined sound and bonus track make this disc essential."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1