CD Review
Band: Queens of the Stone Age
Album: Era Vulgaris
Acclaimed albums Rated R and Songs for the Deaf made heavy rockers Queens of the Stone Age huge. Then frontman Josh Homme booted hell raising bassist Nick Oliveri out of the band. With hindsight, this appears to have been a mistake.
He may not be pretty, but Oliveri was an immense contributor to both their live performances and their sound.
His shrieking, maniacal presence is sorely missed on Era Vulgaris, which is plodding rather than pulsating, and listenable rather than inspiring. QOTSA may have retained their dark, brooding edge, but this, their fifth record, is largely devoid of the insistent rhythms and monstrous mayhem we’ve come to expect. Opener Turnin On The Screw sets a depressing tone from the off with its slow-paced blur of off-key sound effects and discordant guitars. The only highlight in a woeful first half is infectious single Sick, Sick, Sick a sinister, driving number that proudly stands out from the dull, messy procession of tracks around it.
It’s a huge relief when the brilliant, chilled-out Make It Wit Chu arrives half way through, ushering in a much more satisfying array of tunes in the latter stages. 3’s and 7’s has a decent riff reminiscent of Smells Like Teen Spirit, Suture Up Your Future is a laid-back gem, and the compelling Running Joke is a welcome surprise, with Josh Homme’s weary voice excelling over simple but lovely piano.
However, an assured closing act is not enough to redeem a record that stutters for the greater part of its 55 minutes. Perhaps the tell-tale sign is that the weaker pieces drag on for what seems like an eternity, while the highlights are over all too quickly. Running Joke is just 3 minutes long and could really have done with a powerful, rousing conclusion.
Much of the heavier material here is missing a killer hook or catchy chorus, and it’s actually the more peaceful elements that impress. This is a surprise given QOTSA’s past success at creating pounding, moody rock-metal infused with pop elements, but here their louder efforts often seem shambolic, disjointed attempts at progression.
Era Vulgaris is not without its moments, but it pales in comparison to much of their back catalogue has to rank as the band’s weakest offering to date.
Rating: 2/5