Queens of the Stone has tuned itself into of the most consistent bands of the modern album era. That’s why each new release is an event. Like the ones before, “In Times New Roman” doesn’t disappoint the numerous, long-suffering faithful.
“In Times New Roman” is a party record for deviants awaiting Judgement Day
It’s a brutal new age, but luckily, Josh Homme has been preparing for this his entire career. Queens of the Stone Age reemerge with “In Times New Roman” as Mad Max-style survivors. They’re scarred, traumatized even, but wear their smiles defiantly.
Queens of the Stone Age has always been the funniest heavy band to go platinum. Their riffs twisted like a car driver doing doughnuts in the desert. Homme’s lyrics have often sounded like humorously phrased death threats.
“In Times New Roman” may be darker, sludgier, and reflective of an uncertain era, but the titles suggest comedy remains Josh Homme’s survival mechanism. With titles like “Obscenery,” “Emotion Sickness,” and “Straight Jacket Fitting,” it’s best not to ask where the former Kyuss guitarist has been acquiring material.
Homme can’t avoid growing older, but growing up is no concern on “In Times New Roman”
“Obscenery” opens the album with the kind of funk-metal riff that seems to be projected out of a metal casing. “Hurrah, the obscenery’s fucking useless
Jihad me in obscenery, born ruthless.” If Hall & Oates was a metal band obsessed with sex and violence, they might sound a little something like this.
“Paper Machete” & “Time & Place” echo the desert cruising of Homme’s younger days. Meanwhile, “What the Peephole Say” and “Straight Jacket Blues” prove that Homme’s twisted worldview is beyond remodeling.
That should be enough for most fans. Queens of the Stone Age rarely stray from a certain brand of songwriting. Their tunes have a habit of blending into each other. But they never sound like they don’t mean it. Plus, Homme is always wise to include highly competent collaborators within QOTSA.
Queens of the Stone has tuned itself into of the most consistent bands of the modern album era. That’s why each new release is an event. Like the ones before, “In Times New Roman” doesn’t disappoint the numerous, long-suffering faithful.
