Univers Zero – Rhythmix

Univers Zero, a Belgian band founded in 1973, is the undisputed creators of a genre currently known as “chamber rock”. They are one of the most influential bands within the vigorous “RIO – Rock in Opposition” movement. I discovered this band in the early 2000’s and since then, they’ve had a profound influence in my musical world and the way I approach music writing.
 
 
 
 
 
Within their vast catalogue, my favorite album is “Rhythmix”. For those unacquainted with Univers Zero and RIO music in general, I believe this is a good entry point. The pieces in this album are complex, but within reach for untrained listeners.

This is a performance of the piece “Dense” from their album “Deux du Dehors” at Gouveia Art Rock Festival in 2005:

For more information, visit their official site: http://www.univers-zero.com/

 

Nemo – Si (partie 1)

Nemo is a French band founded in the last part of the 90’s. In my opinion, their most relevant virtue is their ability to combine symphonic landscapes with harder-edged guitar sections, elaborate vocal parts and more than a pinch of fusion with Jazz. All these ingredients create an eclectic proposal that appeal to a wide range of prog enthusiasts. This combination of styles is reinforced by the quality of their music. The pieces are well written, with imaginative melodies, rich harmonies and a very solid and complex rhythmic section.

 
 

I became acquainted with them through their album Si (If) – Part 1, which still remains among my favorites.

Watch this live performance of “Mirioirs” from their album “Si (partie 1)”:

Watch this live performance of “Ici et Maintenant” from their album “Si (partie 1)”:

For more information, visit their official website: http://www.nemo-world.com/home

 

Tempano – The Agony and the Ecstasy

Tempano is the most important progressive rock act coming out of Venezuela. They were formed in 1977, when the golden era of progressive rock was in its final days. They issued an album called Atabal-Yémal, strongly rooted in the progressive music style of that time, and later embraced a style closer to AOR and pop. In 1999 they returned to the progressive scene and since, they have released four albums.

 
 
 

I want to recommend “The Agony and the Ecstasy”, released in 2002. This album covers the wide musical palette of the band and is a perfect introduction to this excellent band. They cover a lot of stylistic ground, from melodic rock all the way to complex music in the style of RIO bands. And in between, you will find jazz, Latin flavors, symphonic and crimsonesque passages.

This is a promotional video of their latest album, “Nowhere No Here” released in 2016:

In the discography section of their website, you can listen to full tracks of all their albums: http://www.tempano.com/