Queens of the Stone Age's sixth LP '…Like Clockwork' was one of the most anticipated releases of 2013.
The California desert rockers certainly didn't falter under pressure, delivering a record packed full of stomping blues intertwined with sultry grooves and melancholic balladry, which earned almost unanimous praise from fans and critics.
The record is notable for being the first to feature bass player Michael Shuman and guitarist Dean Fertita, both of whom have been playing live with the band since the release of 2007's 'Era Vulgaris'. Shuman explains that finally participating in the songwriting and recording process after six years strengthened his personal attachment to the band.
“As much as you give yourself to these old songs and the live show, that's only one half of it. The other half is creating and recording,” he says. “It brought a new light to the band for me. I'd been wanting to write some songs with the band since I started so to actually finally do it really meant a lot. And it means a lot to me now.”
Queens of the Stone Age formed in the late '90s and bandleader Josh Homme is the only surviving original member. The semi-regularity of lineup changes over the years suggests Homme is a volatile taskmaster. Contrary to this, Shuman reports how valuable the group's friendships are. “We were super close but we got even closer during the making of this record and learned a lot more about each other than I thought we could, because I thought we were already tight bros.
“Everybody was going through personal stuff while making the record and then supporting each other to get through the making of the record,” Shuman elaborates. “Everyone showed their true colours and it showed that we have supported each other through tough times and didn't just bail when shit got rough.”
The six year gap between Queens of the Stone Age albums was enough to stir fears that the band had reached its expiry date. Due to the extended interval, when the album eventually arrived it was touted as a comeback. However, Shuman says there was no internal shutdown. “To us it wasn't a comeback record. We toured on 'Era' and then we took a year off, then went and did another tour on the first record for a year [honouring ten years since 1998's self-titled LP]. Maybe it was six years away from putting out records but not from being a band.”
Nevertheless, the band members didn't exactly keep to themselves in the intervening years. Homme recorded and toured with Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones in Them Crooked Vultures, while Fertita spent time with Jack White and Alison Mosshart working on multiple Dead Weather albums. And Shuman? Well, he hasn't been twiddling his thumbs either. Shuman sets the bass aside to front LA based baroque-pop outfit Mini Mansions, who'll release their second album later this year.
“Some people like a vacation when they get home, to take some time off and put their feet up. Most of us are not like that,” he says. “Most of us go home and work on other musical projects. That's what I do non-stop when I'm not with Queens.”
There definitely hasn't been much time to consider putting their feet up in the last twelve months. The band (completed by multi-instrumentalist Troy van Leeuwen and latest addition, drummer Jon Theodore) started touring shortly before '…Like Clockwork' came out and the rapturous reception given to the record means the touring program hasn't let up.
The impermanence of the touring lifestyle is wont to drain musicians and splinter relationships, but Shuman says they haven't struggled to stay sane. “We just hang out together and do whatever we do and have laughs and drinks. That kind of gets us through — just being together not hating each other.”
QOTSA's massive Australian fanbase certainly embraced the album and their upcoming tour with good buddies Nine Inch Nails means we'll finally get to see '…Like Clockwork' played live. “It was surprising how well received it was, so we were super excited,” Shuman exudes.
“The ride really hasn't stopped and we haven't slowed down and it's been awesome and really gratifying to know that our fans are into what we made.”
Written by Augustus Welby
Queens Of The Stone Age Shows with Nine Inch Nails
Thu Mar 06 — Qantas Credit Union Arena (Sydney)Fri Mar 07 — Qantas Credit Union Arena (Sydney)
Sat Mar 08 — Newcastle Entertainment Centre
Tue Mar 11 — Perth Arena
Thu Mar 13 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Fri Mar 14 — Rod Laver Arena (Melbourne)
Sun Mar 17 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Tue Mar 19 — Vector Arena (Auckland)
Wed Mar 20 — TSB Bank Arena (Wellington)
Fri Mar 22 — CBS Canterbury Arena (Christchurch)
