QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE / ...Like Clockwork [2013]

Alt. rockers Queens Of The Stone Age suffered a difficult time leading up to (and during the recording of) their 2013 album ...Like Clockwork but they channelled it all into the strength of the music.
They still have that dirty crunch but Homme & the boys have gone done down a drearier road than before inserting piano driven melodies into the mix and deeply personal lyrics to boot.  QOTSA might still be heavy hitting and loud but their strong pop sensibilities are firmly intact making for an easily accessible and infectious quality record.  With a slew of guest stars, including Dave Grohl, Trent Reznor, Elton John and more, it's a relief to hear it's Homme's Bowie-esque voice, guitar work and songwriting that is really the star here.

4 Bonefaces out of 5

Songs Of Note: The Vampyre Of Time And Memory; Smooth Sailing