Like Clockwork (Queens of the Stone Age)

THE sixth album from this Californian hard rock band solidifies its reputation for consistency.

Like Clockwork: Queens of the Stone Age

THE sixth album from this Californian hard rock band solidifies its reputation for consistency.

Though founding singer-guitarist Josh Homme is the only ongoing member, he has become known for attracting a rotating cast of accomplished players since the band's self-titled debut in 1998.

This time he has re-enlisted master sticksman Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) to keep time, after first trialling this experiment for 2002's Songs for the Deaf, widely regarded as QOTSA's finest album. (It helped that the pair hooked up with Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones in 2009, too, as Them Crooked Vultures.)

As expected, it's an inspired decision, one that sets the tone for yet another compelling collection. Songs such as If I Had a Tail and Smooth Sailing swagger with a momentum that only Homme and his comrades can muster. First single My God is the Sun is the weakest of these 10 tracks; the real gold is buried towards the back.

I Appear Missing and the closing, title track exceed five minutes and hark back to the expansive suites that featured on the band's excellent second album, 2000's Rated R. Homme has long since learned that rock music is all about contrasts: atmosphere is just as important as breakneck chord changes.

"One thing that is clear / It's all downhill from here," he sings in the album's final lyric; he must be taking the piss because six hits and no misses is as remarkable a scorecard as you'll find among bands of any genre.

LABEL: Matador/Remote Control
RATING: 4 stars