Queens
4 stars
Queens of the Stone Age have a new record, and it’s alive. The band’s fifth album, Era Vulgaris, is macho and aggressive hard rock at its best. There is not a weak track on it.
The dense music is layered such that the music on much of Era Vulgaris is like a stew at the bottom of a pit threatening to boil over and consume the songs. The stew seems to breathe life into the record, giving it a life of its own. I was ready for the CD to jump out of my stereo and walk out of the room.
The first single from Era Vulgaris is “Sick, Sick, Sick.” It features Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, but you have to listen closely near the end of the song to hear him. “Sick, Sick, Sick” pulsates with energy. It’s sin and debauchery put to music, which is what rock and roll is all about. “I’m Designer” sounds like a cross between Crosby, Stills and Nash, Alice in Chains, and Foo Fighters. “Into the Hollow” could have been on Stone Temple Pilots‘ No. 4. Perhaps my favorite track on the record, though, is “Make It wit Chu.” The brazen track oozes sex.
It’s clear the band had fun making this record. You should have fun hearing it. You either need to stop and give this record a listen or get out of the way.
Scale:
0. Shoot yourself
1. Poor
2. So-So
3. Good
4. Excellent
5. Instant classic