| The
Review |
J In 'Virus Divine', Little King have made an album that
is hard to categorise, which gives it a head start in my book.
From the opening track 'All I Need' to the closer 'Horsefeathers',
the guitar sound is prominent, crisp, heavy but always engaging.
****
Add to this some interesting vocals, classy drumming and
solid bass and you have a complete package. Traditional Prog
Rock fans may not take to this instantly but, sit back and
listen, let the album take you on a musical journey. There
are some wonderful progressively influenced moments spiked
with controlled aggression and interspersed with moments of
classic melody, the introduction to 'Second Wind' comes to
mind here. Coming in at Track 4, 'Second Wind' is where Little
King open up their musical boundaries a little, the first
three tracks are really cracking rock songs that get this
reviewers toes tapping every time. 'Wind' is a more melodic,
dare I say progressive track, melody strong and arranged with
a hint of Eastern influence. ****
'Antidotes' has an instant 'feel' to it, varied but accessible.
The title track carries on the high standards, nice hooks
and melodies and a dash of something a little heavier with
a more threatening edge. 'Paso Del Notre' opens gently and
moves into a crisp acoustic sounding passage, that shows another
side to Little King. The rhythms and melodies are still all
there, it is just a stripped down sound, but fear not it builds
back up magnificently without ever losing its melodic appeal.
'Horsefeathers' brings things to a rounded ending, another
strong, (though short), song with good guitar, slightly more
restrained but still absorbing and driving along at a solid
pace. ****
To sum up, Virus Divine, well it is difficult to find
fault, well maybe one, at just over thirty six minutes it
is a bit short. That isn't a real moan, it was just that I
would love to hear more, but that is probably just me being
greedy. **** The album should appeal to all lovers of good,
solid, interesting quality rock. The sound is hard to pigeonhole,
there is a superb mix of styles all wrapped up in a tight,
but absorbing album. My recommendation, go on give it a listen,
there is something there for everyone to enjoy. ****
Paul Baker ARfm Soundscapes
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