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'Quieter doesn't mean less heavy' for QOTSA's Josh Homme

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme has found a sense of peace after 30 years, reflected in the band's new, mellower sound.
  • The band's recent "Alive In The Catacombs" performance in Paris, featuring pared-back arrangements, underscored Homme's realization about the importance of honesty and risk-taking.
  • QOTSA is set to tour Australia this summer, with Homme hinting at a show that incorporates elements of their stripped-down performances and deep cuts from their catalog.

After three decades leading Queens of the Stone Age, Josh Homme finds himself in an unexpected place: peace. This newfound calm is audible in "Easy Street," a departure from the band's signature desert-rock riffs and hard-driving swagger. The song embraces quieter, spacey sonic textures, exploring the overlooked calmer moments within QOTSA's extensive catalog.

Oftentimes, probably largely by us more than anyone else.

— Josh HommeReferring to the band overlooking quieter musical spaces.

Homme acknowledges that the band, perhaps more than anyone, has sometimes overlooked these quieter spaces. He suggests that "the quieter volume doesn't mean it's less heavy overall." This perspective was solidified during "Alive In The Catacombs," a documented performance in a Paris crypt where the band reinterpreted their songs with haunting, stripped-back arrangements. For Homme, this experience underscored a hard-won realization, shaped by personal health struggles and reinvention, emphasizing the value of honesty and embracing risks, even when they challenge the audience.

And the quieter volume doesn't mean it's less heavy overall.

— Josh HommeDescribing the impact of quieter arrangements on the music's weight.

"If you're blessed to be in a scenario that lasts this long it feels like the obligation is to search around as much as you can and find new ways to do the old things," Homme stated. His career, spanning 30 years since leaving pioneering stoner rockers Kyuss, has seen QOTSA evolve through various lineups and contribute significantly to rock music. Their discography includes acclaimed albums like "Songs For The Deaf" and "Like Clockwork," and Homme has also produced for artists such as Iggy Pop and Arctic Monkeys.

If you're blessed to be in a scenario that lasts this long it feels like the obligation is to search around as much as you can and find new ways to do the old things.

— Josh HommeReflecting on the longevity of his career and the need for innovation.

Queens of the Stone Age remains a revered force in rock, consistently headlining festivals. The band is scheduled to tour Australia this summer, with support from Primus and Tropical F*** Storm. Homme expressed his anticipation, hinting that the shows will feature "pieces of lots of things," potentially including deep cuts not played in nearly two decades. He suggested that a portion of the performance might align with the "Catacombs" shows, where QOTSA stripped down material to its core, celebrating what he calls "the brutality of the lower volume."

I'm really looking forward to it.

— Josh HommeExpressing excitement about the upcoming Australia tour.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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