GENRE | DESERT ROCK
VERDICT | HEAT WAVE
LABEL | MATADOR RECORDS
RELEASE | 6.3.13
…Like Clockwork is the sixth studio release for these desert rockers, and they certainly bring the heat. I haven’t been able to vibe so well to their music since Songs for the Deaf. And with features such as Alex Turner, Elton John, and Jake Shears,
it went beyond my expectations.
The riff-oriented style is apparent from the very outset and, as always, the sound has a metallic smoothness to it. “Keep Your Eyes Peeled,” the strongly percussive opening, has a slow, creep-like feel and sounds as if it could be track number 666.
A huge stand out for me is “Smooth Sailing,” with its fast-paced and funk-inspired sound, and
with a line like “I blow my load over the status quo,” how can it possibly not be memorable?
“…Like Clockwork” is the outro, and a deep contrast to the intro. The piano in combination with the croon of Josh Homme’s voice makes is sound beautifully dismal. Although it isn’t first on my list of QOTSA favorites, this album is undeniably solid.
