Queens of the Stone Age
Era Vulgaris

THE REVIEW

(Rekords Rekords)

For about three months, the stream of news regarding the new work from the Queens of the Stone Age has fueled a tumultuous anticipation among a public eager to feast on the new productions from what enthusiasts consider the ultimate Stoner Band of the post-Kyuss era.
The Palm Desert brigade, led by an ever-inspired Joshua Homme, gathered in the desert with a further invigorated lineup featuring additions like Alan Johannes, multi-instrumentalist from A Perfect Circle, and the keyboardist of The Raconteurs, completed by the usual Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo on drums, now releases this piece entitled "Era Vulgaris."

Regarding the title of their latest work, Josh Homme, the band's frontman, seems to have claimed he was inspired by a definition relating to the Middle Ages, which he found aptly descriptive of the modern world filled with brutality, unmet hopes, injustices...but I am keen to discuss the quality of the product which, on a personal note, will not fail to stir controversy, particularly among early fans.

The listening session opens with the perfect "Turnin' On The Screw," a clear example of the synthesis Josh has sought since the previous Lullabies To Paralyze, between vocal harmonies and the typical Robot Rock sound barrier, enriched by the psychedelic atmosphere that echoes throughout the work. It is followed by "Sick, Sick, Sick," featuring guitars and backing vocals by The Strokes' singer and guitarist, Julian Casablancas, who with effective riffs enriches an inspired track with a latent garage drift, undeniable also in "Misfit Love" and "I'm Designer," where the drums mark fleeting rhythms more akin to Josh's side project, the Eagles Of Death Metal.

There is no shortage of unmistakably stoner episodes, drawing heavily from those stylistic features, such as "3's And 7's," undoubtedly a sly track where Castillo's Ludwig drums and amplifiers blasting to the ionosphere provide jolts, "Run, Pig Run," and "Era Vulgaris" to which Trent Reznor, the soul of Nine Inch Nails, also contributes, reminiscent of historical episodes in the Queens Of The Stone Age's discography (notably bringing to mind "Burn The Witch," "Someone's In The Wolf," and "Monster In Parasol").
Particular mention goes to "I Wanna Make It Wit Chu," from the latest "tome" of the Desert Sessions featuring Pj Harvey, with an arrangement similar to the previous one though with a less lo-fi flavor. Further mid-tempo tracks, which we have become accustomed to since the last album, complete the setlist ("Running Joke" and the particular "Suture Up Your Future").

In conclusion, a careful listen to "Era Vulgaris" currently reveals highs and lows, but these latter are largely negligible if you have particularly loved "Lullabies To Paralyze." There's only the regret for the absence of Mark Lanegan, who is present in only one track on backing vocals, being overburdened with the recordings of his next solo LP and touring.

Now, there's nothing left but to head to Milan for their only Italian date at the Alcatraz...you can join me there......