Eight albums and a couple singles since 1997, LITTLE KING brings dynamic, melodic, progressive micro-epics fresh to your table. Their eighth album, "Lente Viviente," is due September 26, 2025. "I think this will be BY FAR our biggest release. The playing, songwriting, and production are our greatest accomplishments. New players on drums and bass, plus a new studio, have really elevated this project. I want people to take a short, mind-blowing journey…like Musical DMT. We are aiming to hit all the notes and emotions…the dynamic range of this record will push and pull from the first note to the last."- Ryan Rosoff (Guitar, Vocals).

The album has seven songs, and "Catch and Release" is first. The opening tones are jovial and melodic, and then turn darker. The melody comes back around in the chorus however. The vocal harmonies might be the best part of the music so far for me. "Dawn Villa" brings with it a rocking sound with clean vocals that have a bit of a snarl. The bass work is excellent, and te thick slaps remind me of Geddy Lee. The song also has a good deal of energy, like a coiled fireball released. "Who's Illegal?" is a rhetorical question of sorts…because in this country anyway, we all are. The song is bright, somewhat cheerful, and a bit pensive at times. I appreciate the way that the bend rides the fence between the latter two emotions.

"Kindness for Weakness" also has a bit of a dark side to it, and the song title does indeed describe some folks who mistake the former for the latter. Again, it's a combination of melody with somber tones and some mystery, and you can hear his conviction in the chorus. "Sweet Jessie James" has glorious melodies that are hung out there for the taking, and clean guitars, and harmonized vocals lead the charge. It's a cute little song with lots of hooks, as well as emotions in the vocals. "Pass Through Filters" also has sweet tones, and slower pace allows them to soak in. The skies are greyer in this song, but make no mistake, the harmonies in the chorus are the real star.

"The Living Lens" is the final song, and it's like an anthem, urging the listener to put themselves back out there. They got your back. The vocal harmonies are amazing here, and the chorus delivers a strong drive down your throat. Overall, this band showcased a sophisticated sense of melodies that were not overly complicated, but easy to assimilate as well. Not being familiar with them, I am surprised to learn of their longevity, and you wouldn't know this was their eight album, because the drive and fire in them is very much alive in their music.