IMPLOSION

Univers Zero is a rock in opposition (RIO) Belgian band. RIO is a subgenre of progressive rock. Well, for the common people, RIO can be a synonym of classical contemporary music with some experimental parts.

Univers Zero, stronger than ever in 2004, produce this excellent album: Implosion. Sometimes VERY dark, strange and experimental, sometimes extremely structured, synchronized and complex, Implosion should not leave the listener indifferent!

"Rapt d'Abdallah" is among the best tracks, at least the most structured and refined one: string arrangements, bassoon, xylophone, piano, clarinet, gracefully ending with delicate woodwind instruments! AGAIN, this track clearly reminds me Frank Zappa's "Orchestral favorites"!

"La mort de Sophocle" starts with an extremely humming unidentified instrument...contrabass? Then embarks a VERY dramatic & threatening combination of powerful string arrangements and some "door chime" notes: the sound is amazingly pure and natural!

"Temps neufs" is a bit different, exploring some horns arrangements (trumpets + muted horns among others); it seems a clavinet gives some rhythmic enhancement. i would say this brilliant track is slightly jazzy with a very slow low frequency instrument (bass? i'm not sure!).

"Mellotronic" is an OUTSTANDING mellotron oriented track: it is accompanied with delightful acoustic guitars. The mellotron sounds are very varied and original. There are excellent xylophone parts a la Ruth Underwood. The whole should remind you King Crimson and an instrumental Frank Zappa, with a charming dissonant approach.

"Out of space 4" is among the most accessible ones, although not simple at all: it consists in catchy piano, acoustic guitars, bassoon, clarinet and/or English horn?, all carefully synchronized! Obviously, the instrumental work of Frank Zappa is the best comparison that comes to mind.

"Variations on mellotronic's theme" is another way to play the "mellotronic" track, without mellotron, all 100% acoustic: the result is VERY impressive!! It is one of the best track on this album: very complex and loaded, it contains fully interlocking horns, woodwinds instruments, xylophone, string instruments and piano.

"Meandres" is another OUTSTANDING exploration of contemporary music made of bassoon, woodwind instuments, rhythmic piano and string instruments.

Needless to say that most of the tracks have complex, refined and pleasant drums parts and electric bass, quite fitting well with this QUALITY music!

Most of the other tracks are experimental, dark, intimidating, and I have to admit that they sound very interesting, because they bring you emotions!

There are so many unusual sounds that I can't precisely identify all the instruments properly; the experience is very pleasant, satisfying and unforgettable!

THANKS AGAIN UNIVERS ZERO!