The arrival of MIKA—born Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr.—in 2007 with his debut album Life in Cartoon Motion brought a much-needed dose of color to a music scene sorely lacking real stimulus. Across his follow-up albums The Boy Knew Too Much (2009), The Origin of Love (2012) and No Place in Heaven (2015), MIKA boldly expounded on his brand of intelligent pop with exciting results and joined the ranks of clever troubadours like Elton John, Rufus Wainwright and Jake Shears.

Now, he’s back with his fifth studio LP My Name Is Michael Holbrook, due out October 4th. The record is sure to be a repeat performance in sonic excellence if his current single “Tiny Love” is any indication. A crisp, midtempo piano ballad, “Tiny Love” follows behind the svelte and sexy “Ice Cream,” the first single release from My Name Is Michael Holbrook. Whereas the flirty groove of “Ice Cream” felt perfect at the onset of summer, “Tiny Love” shifts toward an autumnal-like reflection that frames MIKA’s handsome vocal tone and lyrical portraiture beautifully.

Welcome back MIKA, we’ve missed you.

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