Virus Divine - Little King

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 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

11 March 06