Existence's second full concept album Small People, Short Story, Little Crime, released in August 1999 is considered to be one of the most ambitious concept album in years by more than 30 prog-rock publications in the world. Although Alan Charles never considered his music to be "real" progressive rock, the critics and lovers of the genre saw it differently, praising its originality & scores of different styles, comparing it to the likes of early Kansas, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd and King Krimson among others! The concept itself, loosely based on a glossy magazine depicts different strange characters from the teen prostitute to the drug dealer or bizarre cyber-sex addict while the 56-page "magazine" which serves as the CD booklet goes in details of the different stories with the lyrics of the songs printed in bold-face within the articles! And to push the envelope even further, the magazine also contains music & movie reviews, an editorial page and ads! The recording took place again at Créason Studio in Montreal with Alan Charles & Gaston Gagnon producing and Jean-Guy Montpetit in command of the buttons and mixing. Videos of the different stories depicted in the magazine were also shot to be used on tour. The CD and tour that followed helped Existence gain a lot more popularity outside America where the album still attracts many fans. The slick production and quality of the album finally gave Existence and Alan's music the recognition it deserved. “ - Small People, Short Story, Little Crime is a criminally underrated effort from a band that will hopefully bring us some new music in the coming year.” - Jon Neudorf, Sea Of Tranquility (May 19, 2015) “Their blend of progressive rock with AOR and more is compelling. This set really brings that point home. It’s quite a strong album. It has enough classic prog to please a lot of the purists, yet enough modern music to keep it interesting for newer fans.” - G. W. Hill, Music Street Journal (May 25, 2015) “ EXISTENCE, un joyau à redécouvrir!” - Jean-Pierre Schricke, Highlands Magazine (Dec 01, 2015) “16/20 Cette musique atteint des sommets de beauté et sait nous surprendre!” - Jean-Pierre Schricke, Highlands Magazine (Nov 01, 2015)