RHYTHMIX

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.