by Jim Dorsch
Present is a Belgian ensemble formed by guitarist/composer Roger Trigaux. In 1974 Trigaux founded the chamber rock group Univers Zero with drummer Daniel Denis. Trigaux left Univers Zero in 1979 to form Present with pianist Alain Rochette. Denis played in both Univers Zero and Present. Bassist Christian Genet played on the band's first LP, Triskaidekaphobie (fear of the number 13); Ferdinand Philippot played bass on the second LP, Le Poison Qui Rend Fou. After being dormant for years, Present was reformed by Trigaux in the mid-'90s; subsequent lineups have included some of the band's original members as well as Roger Trigaux' son Reginald on second guitar and American drummer Dave Kerman of the 5uu's and U Totem. The music of Present has a dark feel similar to Univers Zero, but is more rock-oriented. They have a website at www.heurexacte.com/present.