LES EAUX TROUBLES

3.5 stars really! For his second solo album in a two year gap, Daniel Denis invited more "friends" and this guest list reads a bit like a who's who of experimental rock in Belgium. Catoul is now defunct but was a good violinist, Segers of course an ancient UZ and Present alumni, Vervloesem is the guitarist leader of those crazy X-Legged Sally, and more.... Without forgetting UZ future members Kuiken and Descheemaeker.

Unlike the previous album, the tracks are shorter and some suggest a bit of humour something almost inconcievable with such somber music still very much in U Z mould.

Recommended only to the usual fans of such adventurous music.

Daniel Denis has doggedly followed his unique muse for over 30 years, never compromising his artistic vision. Les Eaux Troubles is the most musically diverse and probably the most personally revealing work of this remarkable composer and performer, and is also something of a bridge between phase 1 and phase 2 of Univers Zero.

The two lengthy tracks that open and (almost) close the album are closest in style to Univers Zero, and in between them he lets his muse run free and pays homage to some of his influences. 'Coeur de Boeuf' - literally translated 'Heart of Beef' is a deftly executed tip of the hat to another great individual stylist, Captain Beefheart, and features some nimble marimba playing from future Univers Zero member Bart Quartier. 'Bulgarian Flying Spirit Dances' draws heavily on the East European composers who are an obvious influence on his work, particularly Bartok. 'Opus Rictus', despite the sombre title, is almost playful, propelled along by bass tuba and some agreeably daft massed voices. Denis' drumming is impeccable throughout, and he coaxes superb performances from all his guests. Jan Kuijken on cello and Dirk Descheemaeker on clarinet make particularly fine contributions.

This album is recommended to any fans of RIO and Zeuhl. Whilst it's not exactly easy listening, it's probably the most accessible of Denis' work to date.