Univers Zero Neglected Prog

[Kristian_Cole]

Avant as this:



to the beauty of this:



hugely underrated

[Zeuhlmate]

Unfortunately UZ imploded around 2014. That might have something to do with the present negligence.

http://universzero.dk/

[Steve F.]

Unfortunately UZ imploded around 2014. That might have something to do with the present negligence.

You need to blame the people who spent 25 years trying to help. Get with the 'official' program.

[GuitarGeek]

Not neglected to me. I'm happy to say I got to see them live twice (and I believe Steve Feigenbaum said those were the only two times they ever played Stateside).

[mozo-pg]

They played in Montreal, Quebec, at the FMPM progressive rock festival.

[Scrotum Scissor]

I suppose they are "neglected" by unversed voices at Prog Mag (et. al.) and with the average Dream Theater/sympho-metal buff, but that's about it. But then again if you've just recently come across UZ, I can see how the impression of them as "underrated" might be somewhat overwhelming. When I discovered names like UZ, Present, Debile Menthol, Blast and ca. 137 other leftfield progressive artists myself, I wasn't merely exhilarated by the sheer revelation of the music involved but also disappointed by the shortcomings of an official "prog" narrative which for whatever inexplicable reason omitted all attention to it. These bands were more musically accomplished and challenging and transcendent than anything in rock I'd heard previously up until that point - so why weren't "progs" more taken with it? Answer given; the narrative itself. Progressive rock was obviously never intended to develop beyond a certain mark, and one set by its apparent popularity. Listeners are into names and identities - including their own and how dots connect - more than the music itself.

UZ are legendary and will remain so. it's all about the knowledge of power and the power to define relevance, which again emanates from the power of knowledge'n'shit.

[Buddhabreath]

^^^ I'd say the same thing generally applies to most if not all the RIO/Avant-type bands. I guess Henry Cow actually got real backing for a few months in late '73 early '74 before Unrest came out and even Branson & Co. said, "Wait a minute! WTF is this shit anyway?". But to be fair, this music obviously has limited commercial appeal and I doubt most Prog readers, sympho-nympho weenies or assorted corporate-feed sheople would ever be interested regardless of promotion.

Perhaps if Daniel Denis had the good sense to loosen up a bit, unbutton his shirt, wear a few gold-plated dog turds on chains around his neck and pose for an album cover with the gang in front of some palm trees they might have had their "Love Beach" moment.

[Progbear]

Part of the problem is they have so much good music out there, and people just keep obsessing over the one album (Heresie), which I don’t even think is their best work.

[Mister Triscuits]

Part of the problem is they have so much good music out there, and people just keep obsessing over the one album (Heresie), which I don’t even think is their best work.

I was not aware of that. I generally think of Uzed as my favorite, with Ceux de Dehors also having a special place because it was the first thing I heard by them. But all their albums are fantastic, so there's really not much in it.

[NogbadTheBad]

Hardly neglected, they are one of the most respected and enjoyed RIO/Avant bands out there with plenty of discussion here.

[smcfee]

I was not aware of that. I generally think of Uzed as my favorite

This is the way.

[NogbadTheBad]

Part of the problem is they have so much good music out there, and people just keep obsessing over the one album (Heresie), which I don’t even think is their best work.

Not in my experience, most of their albums are well regarded and I've heard multiple favorites amongst the first 5. Personally I go for Ceux De Dehors.

[Dave (in MA)]

You need to blame the people who spent 25 years trying to help. Get with the 'official' program.

Can't decide between or .

[nosebone]

No neglect here.

One of the greatest bands of all time imo.

[Buddhabreath]

I agree. They are simply bristling with ideas, memorable melodies, and beautiful and subtle arrangements. I would almost say awesome. My favorite is Ceux de Dehors, but it’s not an easy choice. Maybe because I know that one so well.

[Jones the Jug]

There's this funny video on YouTube where this '70s prog critic profiles the track "Docteur Petiot" and discovers what it's about as the tape rolls.

[Kcrimso]

Ceux de Dehors and Uzed are my favourite ones. I also like the final two albums very much.

[Hobo Chang Ba]

Hardly neglected, they are one of the most respected and enjoyed RIO/Avant bands out there with plenty of discussion here.

Yeah, I'd have to agree. Part of my always considered UZ the most popular RIO/Avant band. (I suppose Henry Cow might be more "famous" but they are definitely a tougher listen.) But I might be talking out of my ass.


All that is of course relative. I'm by no means saying UZ is popular amongst prog fans in general and certainly not saying they are popular writ large.

[Conti]

Amazing band with many amazing albums. One my personal favorites is "Clivages", which was released over 30 years after their recording debut. Not many groups are able to keep such a high standard after so many years. Magma? VdGG?

"Heresie" is of course a legendary album, but I don't see it oveshadowing "Ceuz du Dehors" or "Uzed" or even "Heatwave", which are all downright classics. Not to mention 1313, their first, and even the great "Crawling wind".

[Nearfest2]

We didn't neglect them at all. They headlined NEARfest in 2004. They were amazing.

[smcfee]

There's this funny video on YouTube where this '70s prog critic profiles the track "Docteur Petiot" and discovers what it's about as the tape rolls.

Reaction videos are cancer.

[Zeuhlmate]

What is Daniel Denis doing today (6 years after)?
Playing drums or keyboards?

Growing potatoes?

[Steve F.]

Reaction videos are cancer.

[Dave (in MA)]

You need to blame the people who spent 25 years trying to help. Get with the 'official' program.

If only the people who spent 25 years trying to help didn't give up so soon.

[GuitarGeek]

I suppose they are "neglected" by unversed voices at Prog Mag (et. al.) and with the average Dream Theater/sympho-metal buff, but that's about it..

AKA the same bunch of turkeys who were peeved when Magma were chosen as one of the headlining bands for NEARfest 2003. I couldn't believe there were people who were actually upset about that. One of the defining bands of "art rock" (or whatever you want to call it), who at the time, had only ever played a handful of Stateside gigs, and you're poo-pooing them being a headliner?! What the frell?! Next you're gonna tell me that Doctor Who isn't the greatest TV show of all time!