By Sara Pintilie/entertainment editor
Queens of the Stone Age’s Era Vulgaris provides an interesting concept but falls short of its full potential.
The album takes a few listens to actually appreciate what is there, but at first hear, I wasn’t impressed.
The sound is dark and less mainstream than their Songs of the Deaf, which is a good thing, but many of the songs didn’t pique my interest.
The single off this album, “Sick, Sick, Sick,” is a rather disturbing song, but the dramatic guitar riffs and the downright confidence of the front man Josh Homme make it work.
The best thing about this CD is the band isn’t afraid to try new things, and that confidence pays off with some of the experimentation.
For example, “I’m Designer” has a simple guitar riff and a certain cockiness to it, but it keeps the listener interested in its self-effacing lyrics.
Queens of the Stone Age originally were formed under the name Gamma Ray. They developed a style of riff-oriented music that has been described as robot rock.
Josh Homme, guitarist, has been quoted as saying he wanted to create a heavy sound based on solid jam.
The problem with this CD is it needs a few good listens before the listener sands down the gritty veneer to hear its true sound.
After all that work, the listener finds the songs start to run together and doesn’t seem worth the effort.
The scratchy, almost nonharmonic sound is balanced well with forceful lyrics and clear talent, but it is packaged more cleverly in Songs of the Deaf and Lullabies of the Paralyzed.
Era Vulgaris has a sound that doesn’t transfer as well as Queen of the Stone Age’s previous albums. But if you like the melancholy, mechanical sound, it is worth its price.
Check out “Sick, Sick, Sick” before buying the album.
Noteworthy Tracks: “Sick, Sick, Sick” and “I’m Designer”
