Ali Project (typeset
as ALI
PROJECT) is a Japanese band with a strong Japanese
Aristocrat-style image, consisting of Arika Takarano (宝野アリカ, Takarano
Arika) (vocals & lyrics) and Mikiya Katakura (片倉三起也, Katakura
Mikiya) (music & arrangement).
In
the band's earlier days, their musical style tended towards light,
cheerful and/or refreshing songs. However, the sound has changed in
recent times to take on a darker and more mysterious tone. Takarano
Arika, lead singer/lyricist, has termed this change as a transition
from White Alice (白アリ, Shiro Ari) to Black Alice (黒アリ, Kuro Ari).
Though there has been a general shift towards performing songs in the
"Black Alice" phase, Ali Project has occasionally sung in the White
Alice style as well.
They
made their indie debut in the charts in 1988 as Ari (Ant) Project
(蟻プロジェクト, Ari Purojekuto) with their album Fantastic Garden (幻想庭園,
Gensō Teien). The album was later included in Tatsumi Takayuki's book
Philosophy of Progressive Rock (プログレッシヴ・ロックの哲学?), which led to the band
being classified under the progressive rock genre.
Four
years later in 1992 they changed their name and made their major debut
with their single Fall in love, maiden (恋せよ乙女, Koi-seyo otome).
Most
of their records are released by Toshiba-EMI, Victor Entertainment and
Tokuma Japan. The band is notable in the anime community for having
their songs featured in several anime opening and ending sequences,
most notably in the series Noir, Rozen Maiden, Linebarrels of Iron, and
Code Geass. Additionally, Katakura Mikiya has also provided the
soundtrack to several anime series, such as Kaibutsu Oujo and Avenger.
First U.S. Concert
Ali Project
played their debut concert in the United States at the 2008 Sakura-Con
in Seattle, Washington to an enthusiastic crowd of over 9000.
Reportedly, the band itself insisted on making their debut performance
in North America at the convention. After the performance, there was a
signature session where fans could personally talk to Arika Takarano
and get her signatures on CDs sold at the convention.
