QotSA's …Like Clockwork

Rating: 10/10 (Album of the Year Contender)
Genre: Rock

Although this album has been released much earlier this year in June, I decided to delay the review in order to see if it stands the test of time against another album like AM by Arctic Monkeys. For me, QotSA's “…Like Clockwork” edges out AM by millimetres. And that is coming from a hardcore Arctic Monkeys fan. I draw the comparison between AM and …Like Clockwork because both Josh Homme of QotSA and Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys were featured in each other's albums. One can even draw similarities between the themes in the compositions. Josh Homme even has a past influence on Monkeys due to him producing the Humbug album. …Like Clockwork is much slower than the past QotSA albums but they didn't shift the gears down for the sake of it, they did it because they felt like doing it. We have to remember that QotSA frontman Josh Homme is the man who plays the drums in a hard rock band called The Eagles of Death Metal -- Homme doesn't care about trivial things like fan response.
…Like Clockwork focused on simplicity with both Dave Grohl (tracks 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9) and Joey Castillo (tracks 1, 2, 3 and 6) playing much tighter and simpler compared to the earlier albums where they went crazy. The lyrical theme focuses on Josh Homme's experiences in a hospital where he had to stay for thirteen days, and being bed-ridden for four months which led to severe depression. You know he's not lying when you give the album a listen. The first track “Keep Your Eyes Peeled” reminds one of the old dark QotSA from their earlier albums but with a tinge of maturity this time. Their second track which was released as a single, “I Sat By The Ocean”, is arguably the highlight of the title with a catchy chorus and slide guitar. Many will remember this song being covered by Indalo at Rocknation II which was one of the most successful concerts in 2013. The next track is “The Vampyre of Time And Memory” which is my favourite track from the album. The song features a brilliant mix of piano, guitar synths, slide guitar, compact drumming and some amazing guitar fills. Josh Homme's delivery -- which has often been cited weak by critics (the bad ones) -- is spot on in this track. Describing the album's fourth and fifth tracks “If I Had A Tail”, “Smooth Sailing” would be difficult but could be summed up in one word: “awesome.” The sixth track “Kalopsia” is co-written with Alex Turner who also provides the backing vocals. “Kalopsia” is one of the slower tracks of the album along with the tenth track “…Like Clockwork”, and the change of pace is quite comfortable to the listener.
The album hosts a number of musicians collaborating on it which comes as a surprise considering the current generation of albums. With Elton John on track 7; Alex Turner, Mark Lanegan and former QotSA bassist Nick Oliveri on track 4; and Trent Reznor on track 6 and 7.
Josh Homme has always stayed true to his music and he remains one of the most talented musicians among his generation but much of the credit also goes to Troy Van Leeuwen for his creativity with the guitar in every single one of the tracks. Ever since his addition to QotSA from A Perfect Circle, he has outdone himself even though he is often overshadowed by Homme. This is an album everyone should give a listen for the sheer amount of genius in its 46 minute length.