Generally, it doesn't, but QOTSA is an excptional group of musicians.

And Grohl's drumming on the album is exceptional, as well. I was never too impressed with the drumming in Nirvana, and I wasn't supposed to be. A solid drummer is expected for a rock/grunge band, and Grohl played that role well. I had heard the album 10 or 20 times before realizing that it was indeed Grohl on drums. I was so pigeonholed into what I thought Grohl's drumming sounded like that I didn't even think that this could be him. And then I realized that he's not just solid a solid drummer, but seriously talented. Having a drummer that can match the talent of the rest of this band is an incredible combination.

Due to not only the varied style and dynamics of the songs, this is a really difficult album to categorize. It fits in a any number of genres, yet doesn't fit in any one very neatly. Some songs are screamingly loud thanks to Nick Oliveri's new interest in lead vocals, while others make you relax, tapping your fingers while losing miles of road. But, the main thing that makes this so difficult to classify is the contrast between the heavy, driving guitar, and Homme's relaxed vocal style. Unlike to most heavy bands in this arena, you can make out most of his lyrics on the first try. The guitar, on the other hand, is droning and heavy. It's not Kyuss heavy, but the roots are palpable, and you can feel that pop catchiness winding itself through all the songs like a golden thread. I'm afraid that this album could appeal to all, or appeal to none, depending on if the listener can expand his/her taste (be it metal, alternative, rock, or pop) to include it, or shrink his/her listenable circle and shut it out.

It's unique, it's catchy, and most importantly, it rocks.

©Jonathan E. Dyer
www.dyers.org

See more QOTSA reviews here, here, and here.