This is the ninth studio album from Queens of the Stone Age, “Perfecth” (a weird fucking name), released on 30th October. It doesn’t stick to their traditional desert-rock sound; it’s more experimental, with unusual arrangements, simpler production, and a more laid-back sound.

To me, it sounds more like Josh Homme’s side project with Polly Jean Harvey, Desert Sessions, than a quintessential Queens of the Stone Age album. I would describe it as having a lo-fi sound, especially ‘It’s Only Love’ and ‘Mono’, where I noticed jazz-inspired drumming. ‘Insignificant Other’ has a smooth groove, and ‘From the Cliff’ has a softer, acoustic feel.

‘Where the Goth Girls At?’ is the only track I could find with that classic Queens of the Stone Age sound; it has swagger, heavy riffs, and a familiar edge. New rhythms and textures are found on ‘Sunday’ and ‘Easy Street’, and the last two tracks‘, Phantom Limb’ and ‘Run Away from the Mob’, are more atmospheric.

‘Where The Goth Girls At?’ is the one song that truly sounds like classic Queens of the Stone Age, with its heavy riff, swagger, and familiar edge. Meanwhile, ‘Sunday’ and ‘Easy Street’ try out new rhythms and textures, and ‘Phantom Limb’ and ‘Run Away From the Mob’ give the album a more atmospheric ending.

I found the record unconventional yet interesting, as it’s more experimentally focused than big rock anthems. It’s an acquired taste, but you have to admire the band’s openness to new ideas, even if their usual riffs and energy are few and far between. As I mentioned earlier, it’s more Desert Sessions or Josh Homme and Dean Fertita than Queens of the Stone Age. Be patient with it.

Song recommendations: ‘Mono’, ‘Where the Goth Girls At?’ ‘Phantom Limb’

7/10