CLIVAGES

I still have to catch up with UZ's post-Heatwave output, but the 2010 Clivages album has sure fired my interest. Not only did the band stick to their strengths, they also balanced out their lighter and darker side. It makes for a diverse listen that has me entirely on board for the whole ride.

A first thing to note is how strong the production is. In my ears, the UZ 80's masterpieces suffered a bit from the cold and clinical production values of their decade, especially where the percussion was concerned. Don't mind, it's just me, but at least I'm glad we have a very organic sound here, where the acoustic instruments enjoy their full natural sound (as with classic chamber music), and integrate perfectly with the forceful electric instruments.

The second point that strikes me is how well this album balances UZ's dark traits with their brighter side, a good example is Vacillements and Earth Scream, two tracks that are put side by side but couldn't be more contrasting. Vacillements is playful, quirky and joyous. It's an astounding take on Prokofiev in a 2010 RIO context. Earth Scream by contrast, is dark and minimal, industrial and threatening. They had a similar piece like this on Crawling Wind, but apart from that it is quite unique in their catalogue.

A third point is the song material, with vintage UZ pieces like Warrior and Straight Edge, the album can stand proudly next to the output of the band's heyday. Add the lighter pieces to that and you end up with a 66 minute piece of album that is perfectly digestible from start to finish. By the way, the lighter pieces here are very close to what some current-day Belgian chamber rock bands are doing. If you dig pieces like Three Days and Vacillements you should sure check out some of Aranis' work.

Not the most surprising album for people familiar with the band but a very consistent one, an impressive achievement for a band that has been going for more then 35 years!