Belgian Chamber Prog scene

And as I have the inexplicable ability to vote again I shall now gladly cast a vote for X-Legged Sally. So glad to have discovered them.

• PAZOP
• COS
• UNIVERS ZERO
• AKA MOON
• PRESENT

I only know Present, Univers Zero, Aksak Maboul, Julverne, Placebo and X-legged Sally. My favorites among them are - Univers Zero, Present and Aksak Maboul. I don't like very much choosing and stating the best but I would say I love hearing very much UZ and after that Aksak Maboul and then Present, but this can probably change.

And in big doses it's even better! 

Sean Trane: hey, you've got lot's of work then: must enjoy it yourself and in the name of all the ones who are too far from Belgium! Lucky you... I wish you a great night, I'm sure it will be! I suppose I don't have many chances to see them in Australia... sigh. I should have planned a trip to Belgium when I was in Spain.

The four bands I already know, I love them! (UZ, Present, Aksak Maboul, Aka Moon) I'm looking for music from the other bands, if they are any close to the 4 above I'm sure I'll enjoy them heaps. Thanks Sean!

My two cents about Aka Moon: I only have one album, Aka Moon (92), and I strongly reccomend it if you don't mind some complexity. They are a trio (sax, bass, drums), at least in that album, and play very 'clean' music (no fancy arrangments, effects, overdubbing...), just the three instruments recorded plainly. Lots of improvisation, a bit jazzy, none of the 'darkness' (I find that a very delicate adjective, but anyway) of the UZ-style bands, very elaborate and compelling rhythmic structures... I hope that sounds interesting and some of you give them a try! :) I think other albums have other instrumentation and the atmosphere might change, maybe Sean can help with that.

Present is an offshoot from Univers Zero.

80's album were incredibly somber music , all electric and both excellent albums. Since 97 Present albums have become more acoustic and can be classified in Musique Nouvelle, and one came out this week.

As I said in previous posts, Pazop and Cos (on Musea label so they should not be too difficult to get) are Canterbury and both recommended.

For jazz-rock fans (along Bitches Brew and Nucleus line ) , but on vinyl only (there is a compilation out) Placebo was extraordinary : 3 Lps in early 70's with Balls Of eyes their best.

Julverne is mostly classical music but is mainly linked to all other groups.

Among the later groups, Hardscore is semi-Zappa with Kate Bush vocals. Cro-Magnon is a bit like the Samla Manna/Von Zamla trip , Joren could tell you more of Absinth Minded but they sound rather Eastern European.

X-legged Sally is hi-nrg prog ! Must hear to believe.

But stick with the groups in Bold character first. I have reviewed most of the groups listed in the archives, so to choose an album look at those.

 

Edited by Sean Trane

Univers Zero got my vote as well Hugues, although I was tempted to go for Aksak Maboul because I doubt that anyone else will. I've never heard of some of them, but I think Fukkeduk is a wonderful name for a band!

 

the same for me....

ive only heard univers zero

Univers Zero, anyway my preferred Belgian prog group is Recreation...