The Hard Quest

The Hard Quest Artist: Univers Zero
Label: Cuneiform
Category: Music


Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Media: Audio CD
Number Of Discs: 1


UPC: 045775012025
EAN: 0045775012025
ASIN: B00001ZSVR


Release Date: 1999-09-22

The Hard Quest


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Tracks:

  1. Vieux-Manants
  2. Civic Circus
  3. Affinite
  4. Rouages
  5. News From Outside
  6. Rebus (To All Children)
  7. Kermesse Atomique
  8. Succes Damne
  9. L'impasse Du Cholera
  10. Xenantaya
  11. L'oubli

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars dead can dance meets bartok.......2003-08-11

This does sound like dead can dance more than univers. They go towards that medieval feel. The music is more well constructed into actual songs and this is much more 'listenable' then say, 'heresy'. I dare say at one point it almost sounded 'happy' but it didn't last long. This is melancholic ancient chamber music with drums, but really not bad.

4 out of 5 stars DARK AND DIFFICULT MUSIC ý BUT VASTLY REWARDING.......2003-07-14

I've been a fan of the music of Univers Zero for many years - it's a wonder they're still around, and, I suppose, a testament to both the quality of their work and the devotion of their listeners that ensures their continued existence. Their music is unarguably dark - but it's also provided some of the most challenging, inventive releases of the last couple of decades. Their sound is very orchestral - bassoon, oboe, clarinet, violin, piano and other keyboards, drums, bass (earlier releases featured some guitar as well) - and very, very `composed'. There are, I'm sure, moments of improvisation in their music - more so in a live setting than in the studio - but for the most part it's very structured and carefully assembled. The music is also instrumental for the most part - with the exception, on this recording, of Daniel Denis' voice on the track `News from the outside'. The music is very rhythmical as well - but not in the pounding sense associated with rock & roll or dance music. It moves with a definite life of its own - and it shouldn't take long for the discerning listener to be carried along with it.

This recording is from 1999 - and while I honestly enjoy their earlier recordings more (their debut `1313', and especially the stunning `Heresie'), this is a welcome addition to their catalogue. This is music for the listener who enjoys intelligence and challenge - there are no top 40 `feel-good' hits of the summer here. Great stuff.

5 out of 5 stars CAPTIVATING.......2003-01-14

I cannot believe that, with rather low expectations, this one has become my favorite UZ album, at least second to CEUX DU DEHORS. Track after track it just is so steadily brilliant and interesting.

4 out of 5 stars Univers Zero lite?.......2002-09-20

Some fans seem to dislike The Hard Quest, reviewers haven't been kind either. When listening to The Hard Quest I am reminded of a lighter, less edgy Univers Zero but by no means lacking in their edgy style of music.

The album opener "Vieux-Manantis" is a restrained statement of many Univers Zero themes. Instead of the longer format songs from previous albums the songs here are moderate in length and somewhat compressed sounding at times.

Although no "Ceux du Dehors", The Hard Quest is a expertly played collection of mood pieces that range from almost cheerful (for UZ) to moderately bleak.

Perhaps that is the complaint old time fans have towards The Hard Quest. My suggestion is to take it on it's own terms. If any onther band released this album people would be falling all over themeselves to praise it. Because it is the long awaited UZ reunion album a lot of expectations were held towards this album which is a shame.

There is no serious progression from previous works but it seems wrong to hold artists to always living up to listeners expectations.

Taken for what it is The Hard Quest is a very good album by a band that has the seeming misfortune for peaking early in their career and being unforgiven for daring to change.

If the idea of chamber rock interests you or if you enjoy elements of classical or even some of the "world music" albums than this album might be worth your attention.

5 out of 5 stars

Music Album:

  1. Mandala 2000: Live at the Kichijoji Mandala II ~ Ruins
  2. Redemption Road ~ Eliza Gilkyson
  3. Day Dreaming at Midnight ~ The Sir Douglas Quintet
  4. Antistar ~ Marshmallow Coast
  5. Twice Removed from Yesterday/B
  6. The Faults ~ The Faults
  7. Evil Forces ~ E-Force
  8. Basement Tapes Plus ~ The Rubinoos
  9. Randy Meisner ~ Randy Meisner
  10. Flamethrower ~ Big John Bates

Music Album

Music Album

Music CD

Keep It Simple ~ Curtis Fuller

Emit ~ Chris Speed's yeah NO

Inside Out ~ Rolf Kuhn

The Versatile Eddie Harris/Eddie Harris Sings the Blues ~ Eddie Harris

Johnny Campbell ~ Johnny Campbell

Fish on the Desert ~ R.A. Fish

Percussions of Guinea, Vol. 2 ~ Various Artists

Cumana ~ Arturo Trio O'farrill

Conscience

Antologia ~ Angel Parra