UNIVERS ZERO [AKA: 1313]

UNIVERS ZERO's debut is mostly an acoustic affair that recalls Stravinsky and Bartok. Yes this is Chamber music and although this record isn't as dynamic as "Heresie" it's every bit as good depending on your taste. It's funny that when I was listening to "Heresie" at work a lady told me it sounded like her Halloween music, and when listening to "1313" a man in his fifties asked me "Do you know what music is playing ?" I said "Yes, it's UNIVERS ZERO from Belgium, they were influenced by Bartok and Stravinsky." He quickly corrected me on the way I pronounced Bartok (haha) and as he was leaving the store he told me "By the way I like your taste in music".

"Ronde" opens with violins as other sounds are added as it plays out. It kicks in 1 1/2 minutes in to a higher gear. I really like listening to all the beautiful, intricate sounds. It starts getting darker 7 1/2 minutes in until we get a really intense passage with eerie violins 9 minutes in.The song slows right down 12 minutes in to another fearful, tension filled soundscape. "Carabosse" has lots of violin melodies as well as the usual collage of sounds. This one isn't as dark as the first one.

"Docteur Petiot" features guitar with horn sounds, drums and percussion as it all builds and bursts into an energetic little number. 4 minutes in the song calms right down and it becomes dark and gripping before 6 minutes. "Malaise" actually has a catchy melody. It changes 3 minutes in relying more on atmosphere. The original melody is back 4 minutes in. Good song. "Complainte" features slowly played violin melodies on this the shortest song.

If your into the classical side of music, or Chamber rock that's a little on the dark side, have I got a record for you !