UNIVERS ZERO — The Hard Quest (1999) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Reunion albums often face the hazard of turning out lackluster, and, unfortunately, The Hard Quest is no exception. The instrumentation, percussion, and arrangements on The Hard Quest are tasteful and seamless. Technically, the playing is there; the violinist chooses some lovely moments, for instance. Univers Zero is a tight band and make music that would be lovely and pleasing if it had any heart. The music could be described as "medieval Gothic" if it wasn't so gentle and, ultimately, non-committal; the album comes off as one long prelude. The changes and shifts in The Hard Quest's compositions are never unexpected -- each new musical element enters after four or eight measures -- resulting in none of it making much of an impression. It is over-produced, sounding thin and smoothed over; it is too dissonant and dark to be new age, too lacking in energy to be rock. listening. Joslyn Layne
Tracklist :
1.    Vieux-Manants    2:50
Composed By – Daniel Denis
2.    Civic Circus    4:38
Composed By – Daniel Denis
3.    Affinité = Affinity    5:52
Composed By – Daniel Denis
4.    Rouages = Cogwheels    5:50
Composed By – Daniel Denis
5.    News From Outside 3:24
Composed By – Daniel Denis
Lyrics By – Daniel Denis
Recorded By [Harmonium Recorded By] – Alain Neffe
Voice – Daniel Denis
6.    Rébus (To All Children) = Rebus    2:46
Composed By – Daniel Denis
7.    Kermesse Atomique = Atomic Kermess    5:33
Composed By – Daniel Denis
8.    Succès Damné 4:18
Composed By – Michel Berckmans 
Piano – Michel Berckmans
9.    L'Impasse Du Choléra = Cholera's Deadlock 1:48
Composed By – Michel Berckmans 
10.    Xenantaya 10:34
Composed By – Daniel Denis
Voice, Acoustic Guitar – Réginald Trigaux
11.    L'Oubli = Oblivion    1:46
Composed By – Daniel Denis
Credits :
Bassoon, Oboe, English Horn, Melodica – Michel Berckmans
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Dirk Descheemaeker
Co-producer [Co-Production] – Art Zoyd
Drums, Keyboards [All Keyboards], Percussion, Melodica – Daniel Denis
Electric Bass – Réginald Trigaux
Violin – Igor Semenoff