On Halloween eve, Queens of the Stone Age released their highly anticipated ninth record, Perfecth. This record is the follow-up to the successful “comeback” record In Times New Roman… which was released in 2023. Lead singer and guitarist Josh Homme and bassist Michael Shuman produced Perfecth mainly in New Orleans, Louisiana. On the record, fans can easily hear some of the city’s influence on the tunes.
The record has only nine songs and runs 36 minutes. Their last record clocked in at 48 minutes and had a total of 10 songs. What is great about Queens of the Stone Age is that they do not feel the need to dump as many songs as possible on the record. They add what they deem necessary and keep it straight to the point.
The record starts with “It’s Only Love.” The slow, lullaby-like tune has a runtime of about three minutes. But it sets an eerie pace for the rest of the record. To coincide with the Halloween holiday in the United States, the song fits well with the day and adds a creepy vibe to the air. Throughout the record, fans can hear the orchestra that the band utilized on their “The Catebombs Tour.”
Track two, “Insignificant Other,” was recorded during the In Times New Roman… sessions. For this record, the band used this as a basis for the rest of the record. This song is one of the singles that was released by the band during promotion of the album. This is another mid-paced song that shows the lighter side of the band. Homme and Troy Van Leeuwen lay the foundation on guitar for this track. But it’s Shuman’s bass that is one of the highlights of the tune. Shuman really helps drive the tune forward through basic notes and basslines.
“Insignificant Other” is a rather easy listen and there’s nothing complex about the record. It’s a different sound for the band, who are known for their “desert metal” sound. I love the solo on this song; it’s quaint noodling along the fretboard and brings another nice element to the tune. Homme and Van Leeuwen trade licks on the guitar at the end of the song as it carries out to a close.
On song five, “From the Cliff,” Homme introduces an acoustic guitar to the opening of the song. Instead of bashing on the drums, Jon Theodore provides a simple beat on the kick drum. The simplicity of the song is what brings out the brilliance of the tune. This is another song that fans wouldn’t necessarily expect from the band, but it is a very warm welcome and a beautiful listen. What is most unexpected on this song is Homme on the mellotron. The mellotron solo adds a creepy sound to the song that makes for a fantastic addition. Queens of the Stone Age is one of the few bands that really think outside the box on all their records.
Dean Fertita and Homme recorded song six, “Sunday,” a decade earlier. The song was recorded while the duo was working with the legendary Iggy Pop on his Post Pop Depression record. At one point, a decade earlier, Homme gave what was completed of the song to Pop, but it did not make the record. So, during the recording of the Perfecth record, they recorded “Sunday.”
This song is one of, if not the best tunes on the record. It is a perfect song that should have been higher up on the record. There’s an alternative/synth-pop vibe to the band, almost a late-90s vibe that creates a mystique to the song. Homme and Shuman capture the band perfectly on this record. From Theodore’s galloping beat to the double guitar attack, the chunky bassline and Fertita’s handclapping, it’s mixed well. The breakdown section shows the band at their absolute peak. Dave Grohl once claimed they were the best rock band when they hit the stage. The band is so tight and together that they can’t break ranks.
When they hit the stage, they’re the best rock band in the world,” Grohl said on the Bill Simmons Podcast. “Like nobody even gets close… As a musician, you sit and watch Queens of the Stone Age and you’re like, ‘that’s not fair, what the f**k.’”
The first single off the record appears as tune seven, “Easy Street.” This tune debuted live during the group’s previously mentioned “The Catebombs Tour.” When the song made the rounds on social media, fans immediately speculated a new record was in the works – and they were right. This almost four-minute record was a great song to release first. Country singer Nikki Lane appears on the tune and marks the first time the band collaborated with another musician in their careers. While the tune comes across as sweet, the lyrics speak of maturing, growing up and relationship dynamics.
The record has two more songs at the end, “Phantom Limb” and “Run Away From the Mob.” For “Phantom Limb,” it was the last song recorded for the record post-drug trip by Homme. As for “Run Away From the Mob,” this was a song that was recorded during 2013’s …Like Clockwork sessions. During those sessions, Grohl laid down the drums for that song, so he makes an appearance on the record. All Homme had to do was lay down lyrics for the tune before calling it a day.
Queens of the Stone Age strike gold again with Perfecth. There is not one “bad record” they’ve made in their careers. Each record is consistently solid, which further backs up Grohl’s claims. It was only fitting that the band has upgraded from amphitheaters to arenas on the heels of another concrete record like Perfecth.
There’s never knowing what is next for the band after the tour. They could announce a second leg, record another album, or drop a few singles before taking a break. But with the success of another great recording, it’s hard to see the sun set on this powerhouse group any time soon. Buy/stream the record and go see the band live; they are a “must-see” act.
Rating: 8/10
Tracklist:
1. It’s Only Love
2. Insignificant Other
3. Where The Goth Girls At?
4. Mono
5. From the Cliff
6. Sunday
7. Easy Street
8. Phantom Limb
9. Run Away From the Mob
Queens of the Stone Age Are:
Josh Homme – Vocals / Guitar
Michael Shuman – Bass / Backing Vocals
Troy Van Leeuwen – Guitars / Backing Vocals
Jon Theodore – Drums
Dean Fertita – Guitars / Keyboard
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My love for live music started with my first concert ever, Guns N’ Roses back in 2016. Since then, I’ve been able to capture photos of some amazing artists like Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, Ace Frehley, and Post Malone. I am based in the Boston, Massachusetts area. I am always looking for the next concert to attend.