The band formed in Rottne, Sweden, in 1991 and feature Ola Salo (vocals), Jepson (guitar), Ljungberg (bass) and Olsson (drums). After many years of gigs and an E.P. that was slated by the press ('Racing With Rabbits') the band were disheartened and close to splitting up, but a fellow musician helped them find a label and two new members were recruited (Axen and Schlegel) as the band moved to Malmo.
The subsequent recordings saw the band further embrace the camp of '70's glam rock and naggingly addictive pop melodies. They supported Swedish superstars Kent and released a single, 'Let Your Body Decide' in 2000. The follow-up, 'It Takes A Fool To Remain Sane' is an ignored pop masterpiece dealing with prejudice and the trials of daily life whilst remaining upbeat and positive throughout. An album 'We Are the Ark' emerged in the Autumn and won two Grammy awards, and also featured another overlooked classic single, 'Echo Chamber'.
In their early years singler Salo (a preachers son) had believed that the apocalypse was imminent, but when it didn't materialise the band's raison d'etre was formed: "We no longer believe that the world is coming to an end but we still believe that we should live like it was.. There’s no reason to wait until tomorrow to do the things we want. When should we live if not today?? When should we enjoy ourselves if not now?? And WHERE can we do that, without getting harassed by those who doesn’t understand?? Well, the answer is easy, ABOARD THE ARK!!!"
The Ark have continued to tour, mainly in Scandinavia, and released another Swedish number one album in 2002, titled 'In Lust We Trust'.
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE THE ARK: David Bowie, Dexy's Midnight Runners, My Life Story, Abba, Orlando, Mansun.
www.thearkworld.com