Our favorite desert rockers Queens of the Stone Age are back just in time for the weather to heat up. The quintet have been building friction for the last few months, teasing fans with cryptic, eye-catching clips of gluttony and pleasure that hinted at big things on the horizon. Six years have flown by since their dance-rock album Villains and fans can breathe a sigh of relief with the announcement of their swanky and suave In Times New Roman… (Matador Records).
The band did not leave devotees chomping at the bit for long; they dropped two fiery singles “Emotional Sickness” and “Carnavoyeur” in May, foreshadowing a hypnotic and riffy album, reminiscent of the Rated R and Era Vulgaris days. True to form, the band paired the singles and album with creepily stunning artwork by longtime collaborator Boneface. Along with the highly anticipated eighth studio album, QOTSA announced The End Is Nero Tour, their first North American tour in five years.
Ten songs strong, In Times New Roman… was mostly recorded and mixed at Joshua Homme’s Pink Duck Studios, produced by the band, and mixed by Mark Rankin. Kicking off with an on-brand song “Obscenery,” the playful and slinky demeanor and crunchy guitars sets the tone for the record’s remainder. Homme’s smooth signature falsetto opposes the aggressive musicality of “Paper Machete” and, although the tempo mellows on “Negative Space”, the intensity of fuzzed-out instrumentation and pounding drums keep QOTSA’s passionate intent alive.
The boogie-rocking “Time & Place” can only evoke images of the sway and swagger of the band’s live performance and “Made to Parade” turns up the band’s sultry side. The album lands on the second single, the haunting yet beautiful jam “Carnavoyeur” before “What the Peephole Say,” a high-octane dizzying track tongue-in-cheek plays on words.“Sicily” slinks along with a gentle and seductive approach, flowing into the lead single “Emotion Sickness,” which swells back into the LP’s energetic bravado.
The record closes with “Straight Jacket Fitting,” a nine-minute composition that features several movements. At first the song chugs along with swinging rhythms and gritty vocals, but mid-way, the song shifts moods and incorporates an orchestral interlude that parallels the opening themes of the LP. A long (almost comedic) pause tricks the listener before the album culminates in a medieval-style instrumental finale.
Queens of the Stone Age fans know that an album and tour are just the beginning of what the band have up their sleeves, so “keep your eyes peeled” for exciting updates. In the meantime, In Times New Roman…is a strong jumping-off point for a “feel-good hit of the summer.”
Buy the album here:
8 / 10
MEIJIN BRUTTOMESSO