UNIVERS ZERO [AKA: 1313]

It's rock in opposition without that much rock. Yet, Univers Zero's debut album is one of the finer representations of the genre. The violin lines and bassoon work are the piercing forces here as they are the most noticeable. But, in the two Roger Trigaux penned pieces (''Doctor Petoit'' and ''Malaise''), the subtle guitar creaks are very punctuating. Daniel Denis's drumming is simply spellbinding as it has the most unorthodox style and approach I've ever heard, even with plenty of listening experience with Bruford and Vander.

The last song is the only one that really isn't memorable. Even the short ''Carabosse'' is a mini-highlight of its own (sounds like a house of creaking doors). The most memorable aspect of 1313 is the sinister, spooky atmosphere the pieces create. I almost feel like watching a Scooby-Doo marathon when this album is spinning to enhance the mood. It gives me mental depictions of cemeteries, catacombs and corridors during the after hours. ''Ronde'' captures the essence of 1313 quite well with its many dynamic and time shifts; some of the more suspensful moments come when the drums momentarily cease playing.

It's one of the best albums that makes you think Halloween almost as much as MDK is the best depiction of the apocalypse I've heard. It's one of those albums that focuses on mood and it works insanely well if you let it.