Amuse De Q
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
A long running outfit that began in El Paso, Texas but is now rooted in Tucson, Arizona, Ryan Rosoff spearheads Little King, and has had a rotating cast of members since the mid ‘90s. These days, he’s in the company of Manny Tejeda (bass and vocals), Eddy Garcia (drums) and some guests who help flesh out Rosoff’s diverse vision of multifaceted rock that thematically surrounds time in quarantine during the pandemic.
“Bombs Away” starts the listen with a melodic and smooth delivery of prog-rock, alt-rock and even classic rock as a rugged yet very tuneful approach illustrates a meticulous rhythm section alongside Rosoff’s versatile pipes, and “Keyboard Solider” follows with thumping drums and playful bass that’s part anthemic and even a bit dreamy, too.
The middle tracks are among the best and include the calm, atmospheric “Set It Down”, which benefits from Becca Gonzales’ backing vocals and Asher Syrinx Rosoff’s keys that complement the sublime interplay between the musicians, while “Melpomene” brings strings from David Hamilton and Christina Hernandez into the brief instrumental.
The finals two tracks don't disappoint, where “Amuse De Q” is precisely textured and somehow sounds both nostalgic and modern in its adventurous rock’n’roll climate, and “Omega Son” exits the listen with the most firm track, where arena rock tendencies meet grit and melody that soars loud and most definitely memorably.
A very topical listen that touches on isolation, the protests across the country and sobriety, Rosoff’s been on a bumpy ride for the duration of Little King, but his perseverance is certainly admirable as he delivers sturdy riffs, plenty of grooves and a sharp songwriting skill that makes Amuse De Q one of the best guitar driven albums of 2021.
Travels well with: Vestamaran- Bungalow Rex; 35 Tapes- Home