Just as Art Zoyd had captivated and mystified an audience at the very same place just over a week before, Univers Zero decided to go one better - they flattened them! If it was said that Art Zoyd performed with brilliance, then it must hereby be chronicled that no mere word from any mortal could begin to try to describe the set of Univers Zero. Straight from the beginning, they built up excitement through a dense melange of swirling keyboards that drifted and built up the metabolic rate. The drones of piano, organ and synthesizer rapidly thrashed and, like the sea, became more violent in a veritable orgasm of electronic density, before erupting into a climactic struggle as the six-piece punched out a rhythm that instantly defied conventional composition techniques. The drummer acted out the role of the nucleus, centring the flow, as the other participants of the ensemble revolved around his pulsating beats, each contributing towards the forward movement of a spectacular musical form, extremely rare to these shores.
Between numbers, futile attempts were made to communicate with the audience - cut short, due in no uncertain terms to the microphone failure. This, though, was unimportant, as words were useless in a situation where actions take precedence; and Univers Zero, despite equipment problems, retained their freshness throughout the night.
I did, however, ask myself: "Why do U.Z. and Art Zoyd both insist on wearing nothing but black garments?" Are they mysteriously treating us to a morbid European fetish? Or are they secretly dejected cat burglars trying to earn an honest yen? Whatever the answer may be it certainly must be said that these uniforms are an integral part of the performance, and seem to add an aura of mystique to the already atmospheric proceedings. Particularly impressive was a collection of the group's numbers clustered into one piece amusingly entitled 'Univers Zero's Greatest Hits'. It was a complicated configuration of keyboards, chamber music and pounding vibrations. Once again, the bass was reminiscent of Magma, and overall one could easily compare U.Z. to Vander's group. However, it must be categorically written that they retain their originality, and came across as an individually powerful entity in their own right. After witnessing both 'Rock in Opposition' events, I tip my hat to Recommended Records, whose guided influence helps others to near the real qualities of music; not the fashionable worms with huge bank accounts and even bigger egos.