by: Charley (@ruperto2106)
It’s been 6 long years in the waiting but finally we have a new album from California-based rock band Queens of the Stone Age. Like Clockwork gives us 10 new tunes to listen to. Featuring collaborations from Trent Reznor, Jake Shears, Brody Balle, Alex Turner and even Sir Elton John on a few tracks, not to mention having Dave Grohl back on drums for the entire album this album is more of a collaborative effort rather than a soul QOTSA album.Thankfully, this is not a bad thing. Clocking in at 45:59 we get a fabulous rock album that we have only come to expect from Josh Homme and the rest of the band. There is a sense of seduction and darkness in the album and a sense that the band was abnormally focused throughout the recording of this album. It’s still a quintessential QOTSA recording bearing all that we have become familiar to.“Keep Your Eyes Peeled” is the opening track on Like Clockwork and bares a slow methodic pace. “Don’t look, just keep your eyes peeled. Thoughtless, traipsing my minds field” gives us a glimpse of that we are about to go on a journey, or experience something truly special on the rest of the album.“My God Is The Sun” is the lead single off Like Clockwork. This is the sound we have heard before from QOTSA but yet want more of. Hommes vocals work harmoniously with the other musicians. It’s heavy, brooding, and I can’t get enough of it.“I Say By the Ocean” is another standout track. With its upbeat guitar work and drum work, it’s hard to actually believe the song is about heartache.Like Clockwork is a mix between slower more methodical songs and the harder rock we know and love. QOTSA play this record with as much conviction and passion as they have on their previous 5 albums.Like Clockwork is a definite must have in any rock collection. I give it a 4 out of 5.Check out the video for “My God Is The Sun” below:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFca32_7YUU