RHYTHMIX

3.9999 stars but not quite four!

Two years after it's forerunner's release, Daniel Denis comes back with another album, Rhythmix again using the Univers Zero name, although it's rather clear that there is no touring group. This is not surprising seeing the number of participants into this album's mise-en-oeuvre, even if some appear on one track only, the case of DeScheemaeker, who apparently left the group, along with Semenoff and least surprising, Junior Trigaux. Another mainly-red artwork (after THQ and HW).

Musically speaking, there isn't much different between Rhythmix and HQ, both being grandsons of UZed. The music seems to come out out of the entrails of Earth with its dark and gloomy atmospheres full of near classical music but with a demonic/devilish drummer cadencing as you row your life away onto your king's galley whipped if you start to weaken.

As usual, another excellent UZ album, but the formula is becoming rather thin since this album is based again on the same UZed blueprint (IMHO), even though there is possibly two tracks that announces changes to come out. Zorgh March and Zebulon are possibly embryo of ideas that would fill up Implosion, but this remains to be confirmed. Definitely an album that belongs proudly to your shelves, but if you're a novice, start with UZed..

This is more like it ! Their previous album "The Hard Quest" is my least favourite studio album from UNIVERS ZERO and I must admit I approached this one with some doubt. Well one big change is that including the guests we have 10 musicians involved, but the bottom line is that the compositions are much better. I like when an album excites me and that's what "Rhythmix" does for me.

"Terres Noires" has this rhythmic intro with accordion and cello standing out. It's pretty cool. It settles before a minute as heavy drums come and go. Nice bass 2 minutes in. A calm after 2 1/2 minutes then sounds build.That opening rhythm is back briefly but it's darker this time. "Reve Cyclique" has this slow moving rhythm with soft flute. Drums after 1 1/2 minutes as aboe, bass and other sounds come in as well. Flute and drums lead much of the way though. Love the bass after 4 1/2 minutes. "Rouges: Second Rotation" features heavy drums that almost sound like kettle drums. As Bob from "Ground & Sky" mentions we then get this "venting steam" like sound for awhile. The bass attacks and withdraws throughout. Horns and acoustic guitar come and go as well. "The Invisible Light" is led by aboe and we get some atmosphere too. "Phobia" hits the ground running then settles some as bass, marimba, piano, drums and other sounds come in. Cello later. "Zorgh March" is dark with heavy drums and piano. Marimba comes in and trumpet later. Great song.

"Zebulon" is intense with some strange sounds and clarinet. These next two songs as Sean Trane mentions are good examples of the direction they'll go on their next record, the amazing "Implosion". "Foret Inviolee" is a short dark tune with bassoon. "Shanghai's Digital Talks" is a cool tune with piano and intricate sounds that come and go. "Emotions Galactiques" is intense with trumpet blasts. Drums after 1 1/2 minutes,piano too. Great song. "Waiting For The Sun" has this dark humming sound as mournful trumpet comes in. Some outstanding atmosphere on this one. "The Fly-Toxmen's Land" opens with crashing drums as piano and other sounds join in. Impressive ! Bass 2 1/2 minutes in as horns blast. Incredible stuff. "Reve Cyclique (Reprise) is just that, a shorter version of that earlier slow moving rhythmic track.

In my opinion this album along with the next one "Implosion" more than hold their own when compared to UNIVERS ZERO's earlier albums.