ANDROID DOMINA

Dressed in a minimum of clothing with lace and leather, two of the girls in the Japanese band ARS NOVA are posing on the cover to their 2001 album "Android Domina". Is this really the cover of a progressive rock album? If I hadn't knew the answer I would've guessed that this album originated from a 80's heavy metal band á la Madam X. The album then opens with a moaning woman and you wonder whether ARS NOVA have turned into a sexual out-studied band or not. But then the music starts and takes you on an almost hour-long journey together with ARS NOVA's energetic, complex and musically challenging instrumental keyboard dominated music. They often have been compared to early EMERSON LAKE & PALMER. The comparison is understandable, but there's also reminiscences with band such as BANCO MUTUO SOCCORSO, GOBLIN, UNIVERS ZERO and Rick WAKEMAN. I would say though that ARS NOVA have find their own expression, and even if their sound is reminiscent to these old prog rock heroes, they have a innovative, exploring and adventurous mind. In other words, at least on this album, it doesn't sound as if they are trying to copy anyone. ARS NOVA's music isn't that easy to get into, but if you take the time and really listen I promise you that it's worth it.