ANDROID DOMINA

This album is longer than usual (but just over fifty minutes) and since most of their previous work was rather repetitive, I was afraid to suffer after half of this album.

The title track is the longest piece of this "Android Domina" and features, as usual some brilliant technical aptitude from Android Keiko. We all know she displays gorgeous synth sounds but I can't say that "Ars Nova" music is very creative. The "vocals" here are a simulation of an orgasm. Might give you some ideas when looking at the cover. Gently provocative but not very much in the Japanese spirit which is rather wise and not really provocative.

I have used to listen to their works as a substitute to "ELP" while I fancy to listen to some derivative music instead of the genuine model. I guess that a "Best Of" should have worked better on me than all these separate records which sound almost the same.

It would be difficult to tell from which album a number comes from. So similar they are. Still, this Japanese band never released a poor album so far.

This album is on the up side as far as the first two numbers are concerned; with some very good and varied rhythms during "All Hallow's Eve" which is one of the best tracks. There are so many different themes, sounds that it is one of their most complex number. A highlight. It is at times pleasant to discover that the band can play something else than "ELP" songs. They should concentrate more into this direction IMO.

But, apparently, this was only a short digression since they will revert to their traditional style with "Succubus". But after a bombastic explosion, some very melodic notes escape from those keys. The trio is really great in this shorter song. I have to say that so far this album is very pleasant. A special mention to the very good bass play (performed by a guest since this album is featuring two keys players and a drummer).

When I spoke of some vocals during this release, do not expect expert work. During "Mother", they sound more as lullaby for young children than true rock vocals (as one could find on most of "Teru's Symphonia" work). This song features an interesting Eastern Oriental mood which is also welcome and breaks the uniformity one could feel while listening to most of their previous records.

"Horla Rising" also holds one of their most symphonic breaks. A bit too short (the break I mean since this song almost clock at ten minutes) but so magical.

The closing number Bizzaro Ballo in Maschera is a bit long to really kick : almost four minutes of chaotic music before an almost classical second part. The keys duo is fully complementary and adds another dimension to this song (but not only).

IMO, it is the best work of the band. The most varied one for sure. Four stars.

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