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Review: Little King: Lente Viviente

 

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Written by Anselm Anderson

Texan rock trio Little King has returned with their eighth studio album, Lente Viviente, which is their most progressive and ambitious work to date. The release was recorded a few months back in Arizona, marking the first time the band have recorded outside their native Texas.

The band has made some personnel changes since their last outing six years ago. Drummer Tony Bojorquez joins guitarist and vocalist Ryan Rossoff, along with bassist and cellist David Hamilton, to record this seven-track release. The album draws similarities to prog rock icons Rush and Genesis while presenting a fresh and original approach. It sounds as though the band has undergone some serious soul-searching over those years.

The album title Lente Viviente roughly translates to "Living Lens," a play on words of Rossoff's Video Memoir Production company, LivingLens Memoirs. It examines the balance between truth and perception, featuring thought-provoking lyrics alongside various textures and dynamics. The opening tracks "Catch and Release" and "Dawn Villa" are anthemic, featuring punchy production, pounding drums, and tight lead guitar play that engage the listener on a journey of lasting friendships and relationships. The band crafts strong, hook-laden choruses with an upbeat, feel-good sound, characterised by bright textures and warm tones.
Photo Credit: David Bocerra of Obsidian Lens Media

The album transitions into dark yet dreamy soundscapes with "Who's Illegal?", a track about immigration. Ryan Rossoff's calm and measured voice interacts with echoing guitar harmonies and bluesy guitar leads. "Kindness for Weakness" is a melodic track that reflects on vulnerability, featuring sweet vocal harmonies and a tight rhythm section, which can be haunting, sorrowful, and powerful.

The album includes a folk ballad titled "Sweet Jessia James." Additionally, "Pass Through Filters" showcases a captivating vocal performance alongside beautiful, haunting string arrangements that reflect themes of ageing and addiction. The singer conveys a sense of being trapped. Ultimately, it breaks free with soothing vocals accompanied by atmospheric guitars and strings in the end.

The album concludes with the inspirational track "The Living Lens," which features a captivating interplay of complex time signatures and an uplifting choral duel between Rossoff and Laura Sadie Bette from the band Curfew. The lengthy, guitar-driven passages create a mellow and warm atmosphere, combining pinched harmonics with an electric folk sound. The whispered vocals shift to more amiable melodies, culminating in a satisfying finish to the album. Overall, it is intimate and personal, yet rich with wisdom and accessible melodies, making it enjoyable for progressive rock fans.

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