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June 14, 2007

Music Review

Angry Rocks

Bands latest is a little scary but a lot good

Story by: Ray Edward Buffington IV

The Shorthorn staff

--Courtesy Art

Those who enjoy mocking label-lovers, pop princesses and unoriginal artists will certainly feel fulfilled and not alone in the evil corporate world when they listen to Queen of the Stone Age’s latest album, Era Vulgaris.

No mainstream material is safe from the lead singer’s lashing lyrics and the band’s combined rough-edge sound in the group’s new 11-track album. Can we say ear candy?

The album disappointedly begins at a slow pace with the forever-long song “Turnin’ on the Screw.” At a whopping five minutes and 20 seconds, I had time to run some errands, wash my car and call my mom before the song ended. Not that it was a bad song, but it definitely felt like it belonged toward the end of the album with other end-of-the-ride pieces.

The second number, “Sick, Sick, Sick,” jump-started my interest and redeemed the band, bringing back the good old Queens sound that reminded me why I listen to them.

A couple more ear-gasmic tracks into the CD and a Kit Kat break later, I noticed something a little different about the music. Let’s call it a twist. A very angry twist. A very scary, angry twist.

The lyrics remain as witty and wise as their past works, but the music makes you feel like you are being chased by an enraged chain saw-wielding homicidal maniac whose mother you just accidentally ran over with your car.

When composing the music for the album, the band members were definitely channeling some pent-up anger. Maybe their girlfriends dumped them, maybe their dog died, or maybe they were upset with the “American Idol” results. Regardless of the reason, the listener can definitely feel the heat.

However un-delightful the psycho killer scenario is, and however grumpy the music might seem, the band surpasses prior albums and steps up to a higher level of great sound, great lyrics and great originality.